by Karl Schweitzer, HHS Class of 1981
I attended a meeting of the Town of Oyster Bay Landmarks Commission at Town Hall on Wednesday, October 24, 2024. The meeting was to support Ms. Julie Ugarte, petitioner to save the original firehouse, once known as “Peppercorns”.
The commission reviews all applications for designation of Town landmarks. They are the final arbiters on granting protections for reasons of historical, architectural or antiquarian significance.
After Ms. Ugarte presented the opening remarks and presented over 1,600 signatures, I then presented the history of the firehouse and the need to protect the structure as a historical landmark.
The 25 East Marie Street owner and his new lessee attended the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned without action of approval or denial. The Landmarks Commission mentioned that since alterations/renovations have been made to the exterior of the building, it does not qualify for protection as a landmark. Although the building has a well-documented history, the committee advised petitioners that that only accounts for a fraction of the designation of a landmark.
After discussion of what physically remains in place within the dropped ceilings, and structurally, it would need “physical evidence” photographs, etc., to document the existing structure is within the original 1906 and 1925 designs and renovations. The petitioners were tasked with working on getting that information. Additionally, the Town Building Department will be contacted for all relevant construction and renovation information within their files.
The owner was on record stating that he had no intention of demolishing or significantly altering the structure. For the record, the petitioners thanked the owner for his commitment, however, that is not a guarantee for the future.
When postponing the meeting, the Commission asked the owner and the petitioners to have a meeting to discuss the application, possible benefits of the structure being granted landmark benefits, etc. The petitioner and the owner exchanged contact information.
The meeting was a disappointment as it related to the position taken by the Landmarks Commission. The commission did not seem receptive to granting landmark status; it primarily focused on the building exterior and not its historical significance. One member of the committee had taken additional time to give the petitioners additional paths to help, with no “real” promise of changing minds.
The petitioner needs to meet with the building owner regarding the role of gathering more proof of building materials, existing windows, exterior siding and wood clad, etc. Additionally, the petitioners need to work with the Town of Oyster Bay Building Department and meet with local Town, County, and State representatives on the next steps.
Other suggestions under consideration are two pathways to protect the building.
- Request the Board of Fire Commissioners to enter discussions with the current building owner to see if there are other avenues.
- A second option would be to ask the building owner to allow for a bronze plaque to be erected and affixed to denote the importance of the structure and its original purpose.
Motorized Apparatus
Station 1 Circa 1910 
Station 1 Circa 1925 with Apparatus
Uncle Alberts Exterior
Wind Whistle Pub
PeppercornsHere's the presentation that was used.
Save the Firehouse Presentation 2024 - 1.pdf
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