Demolition of Ye Olde Firehouse begins

After a lengthy process, the Town of Hempstead issued a permit to the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District on Aug. 6 to demolish the severely damaged Ye Olde Firehouse. Approval to tear down the structure was granted in the spring, though a local preservation organization attempted to overturn the decision based on the firehouse’s historical merits.

On Aug. 7, the scaffolding surrounding Ye Olde Firehouse, at 106 Lido Blvd., was removed and temporary fencing was erected around the building to prepare for the demolition, which was scheduled to commence earlier this week.

Commissioners of the fire district voted unanimously on March 30 to demolish the Depression-era building — which has not be used for fire operations in years — following a community meeting on March 24 to discuss the financial analysis of the building.

“We’ll be starting as soon as the contractor can get in,” Fire Commissioner Andrew Richter said.

The firehouse was closed to the public in 2011 due to its deteriorated condition, which was later further damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Richter said that structure possessed a market value significantly less than the millions in infrastructure upgrades it required to become code compliant.

Among its many problems and code violations were a lack of handicapped accessibility and the need for complete rehabilitation of the electrical and mechanical systems, roofing, windows and more. The building was decommissioned from fire operations years ago, according to Richter.

Once the demolition is complete, the fire district will retain control of the property, Richter said. The war memorial and 1939 World’s Fair flagpole located outside of the building will be preserved and returned to their current location after the demolition is completed, Richter said.

“Like many members of this community, I have fond memories of Ye Olde Firehouse,” he said. “But as fond as those memories are, it is time for the community and the district to move forward into the future.”