For the past few months, the issue or rather, the conflict surrounding the future of the Hicksville Fire Department's Station #2 has been an ever present one on the pages of this paper. And rightfully so. Both sides - those for and against the renovation and expansion project - have certainly voiced their points and concerns.

The Briggs Neighborhood Committee, a select group of residents - specifically three homeowners who live in the immediate vicinity of the firehouse and one homeowner living on the other side of town - would like nothing more than for the fire district to build a "bigger and better" station house some place else or, better yet, to see the plans scratched altogether. Their concerns regard their homes, property values and the ever-growing issue of taxes.

But let's look at the whole picture.

A larger firehouse is a matter of necessity, not preference, as limited space in the existing building is becoming a safety hazard. Currently, all available space in the firehouse used for storage has long since exceeded its capacity. Mobility around the firehouse is nearly impossible since members cannot open the doors of the fire truck at the same time someone is trying to get into the building as there is not room. In addition, the building cannot accommodate the size of today's equipment and members cannot get their bunker gear on at the same time due to insufficient space between the racks.

But perhaps most relevant is the fact that the fire district and its board of commissioners do not need the public's approval to demolish the existing firehouse and construct a new one. Despite that, they have held several public meetings and reconfigured plans to come up with a building that not only meets the district's needs but is aesthetically pleasing as well.

In working to meet the concerns of the community, the fire district scaled down the size of the building, considered eliminating a third-bay and proposed a building that is "easy on the eye."

As it currently stands, the plan calls for demolishing the existing building and constructing a two-story firehouse measuring 34-feet high with a full basement, first and second floor and an ADA-compliant elevator. The new building would stand six feet taller than the current structure on 3,646-square-foot of land, just 779-square feet larger than the current footprint.

In addition, they have stated, on record, that they do not plan to condemn anyone's property for fire department use. The fire commissioners cannot, however, pass such a resolution for future boards. Fire officials also, at the request of residents, looked into alternative sites, all of which were either unavailable or unrealistic. Those who are suggesting that the firehouse be relocated seem to have a "not in my backyard" mindset.

But the bigger question is why should it be moved in the first place? Wasn't the 1956 firehouse in the same spot when these residents first bought their homes? Wasn't it built in this location for a reason? And doesn't the fact that Engine Company 2 was the first to respond to two serious house fires in the past month deem its importance? Add that to the fact that Station 2 is currently the most active company in the district, responding to an average of 320 emergency calls and 250 ambulance calls a year.

Therefore, isn't its location an asset rather than a problem? Isn't it apparent by now that these members are not just at the firehouse "hanging out?" They are there to serve the community and they do it for without pay, so why shouldn't they do so in a safe and functional facility? Their proven dedication to the community shows that these volunteers are not just in it for the "perks."

Does the Hicksville Illustrated News think a new firehouse will drastically change the community? The answer is probably not, but it will make it a safer one for everyone. Therefore, we think the Hicksville Board of Fire Commissioners should move forward with its plans to renovate and expand the Station 2 firehouse.

It's time to move forward.

V.A.C.