A group of residents living near the Hicksville Fire District's Station No. 2, located at the intersection of Woodbury Road and Briggs Street, have formed a neighborhood committee in an effort to prevent the relocation of the firehouse and show support for the district's plans to renovate the building.

With a current membership of approximately 50 families, the Hicksville Residents to Save Your Neighborhood Firehouse community group comes after the residents learned of a survey distributed by the Town of Oyster Bay to those living in the area of a town-owned sump property located at Ronald Avenue and Miller Road. It asked those homeowners whether or not they are in favor of relocating the Station No. 2 firehouse to the sump property. Additionally, statements made by members of the Briggs Neighborhood Committee that have been published in the media over the past year expressing their desire to have the firehouse moved to another location have caused concern among those living nearby.

"We don't want the firehouse moved out of our neighborhood," said Diana Michell, one of the co-chairs of the Hicksville Residents to Save Your Neighborhood Firehouse community group. "If this station closes, who will protect my property and loved ones?

"The fire district has made it very clear that the Briggs Street station is overcrowded, putting our volunteer firefighters' safety in jeopardy every day," Michell continued. "The firehouse needs to be renovated before someone gets injured while trying to help others. The neighbors who are promoting moving the firehouse obviously have their own agenda, which is not in the best interest of all involved. They cannot be allowed to close this firehouse. If you live nearby and want to make sure your firehouse stays where it is, I urge you to join our effort."

The community group is planning a major membership drive and other similar efforts in the coming weeks to encourage those living near the Briggs Street firehouse to come out in support of renovating the station at its current location. Hicksville Residents to Save Your Neighborhood Firehouse invites those interested in becoming a member by calling 827-0919 and leaving your name, address and phone number.