Lindenhurst Patch has reported about the Village’s decision to rebuild the main firehouse of the , and about the closing of School.
Those issues stirred a lot of emotions, causing residents and readers of Patch to share their thoughts and opinions about both subjects.
Here’s a look at what some have said about the need for the new main firehouse and their favorite memory of OLPH School:
Doreen Leonard Marengo: “This school was instrumental in my becoming the person I am today. The sisters, priests and my classmates became a second family. My education and the foundation of my religion were instilled in me here. My father died when I was in third grade, but the pastor allowed me to remain in school until I graduated eighth grade. My widowed mother didn’t have the funds to pay the tuition. I’ll be eternally grateful.”
Linda McLellan: “As a child of a long-time fireman I believe our firefighters need a safe place to house their fire apparatus, as well as meet.”
Lena Lubrano: “This is excessive and indulgent! In this economy, where most are trying to cut corners, increasing our taxes is a slap in the face. Why do they need a $6 million dollar firehouse?”
lisa: “Yes, we need the fire department. They do a great job. But not $6 million worth.”
John Lisi: “If you came to the public meeting, then you’d already have all the correct answers. Bashing the concept, without benefit of the facts, does a disservice to the community. You have many misconceptions that require the correct input. With them you’d understand more correctly, the current situation with the building…. Bottom line, it’s under $40 a year to the average homeowner, which is less than one tank of gas these days and still your total Village fire service will cost less (including the additional $40) than many other areas on Long Island by almost half. The rebuild is proposed because the current building is in extensive disrepair, not because the Village wants a pretty new building. Any attempted repairs are not cost effective.”
Valerie McKenna: “Having known John Lisi, as well as being a members of civic associations, I can attest to the numerous discussions, long process and multiple meetings to the public to educate the Village residents with regard to either attempting to repair the old firehouse or build another….The safety of our volunteer firemen is of paramount importance. In addition, no one wants the burden of an additional expense. However, the due diligence that’s been performed to see all avenues were explored to avoid a new firehouse were done and redone.”
Jennifer: “I don't mind chipping in for a reasonable building for the volunteers. I’m afraid it’ll turn out like that eyesore in West Babylon (East Farmingdale Fire Department) building.”
Eddie: “Everyone should take a minute to imagine the (God forbid) moment when they need the fire department to respond to their emergency. You don't want them fumbling through a decrepit firehouse to save your family, do you?”
Bill Slowski: “Another disappointment for the taxpayers. Schools and commercial establishments are closing, but let's throw away $6 million plus and raise taxes.”
c: “As a volunteer firefighter I obviously support the project. As a taxpayer I support the project as it’ll increase the value of your home because of the safety level of the community. Remember we volunteer to keep you safe. Our building and our equipment keep us safe.”
Kevin: “The Village was put on notice years ago that the current building doesn’t meet any of the current standards….Let’s get it done before someone gets hurt or killed right there on Wellwood Avenue. At one time the firehouse was the center of the community; in some ways it still is. Think of this as an investment in the community that’ll be here when some of us are gone. To the men and women of the LFD, thanks for all you do.”
Ariel: “Voters turned down the proposal to build a new firehouse, and it’s being rebuilt anyway.”
Ronald Rizzo: “I’m all for the new firehouse. Yes, we have another firehouse on Delaware Avenue and another one South of Montauk Highway, but neither of them is large enough to house their equipment, plus the main house’s equipment.”
What do you think? Do you support the new firehouse? What do you think of the OLPH School’s closure? Do you have a favorite memory of OLPH School to share? Tell us in the comments section, below.
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