The Jericho Board of Fire Commissioners held a meeting on Oct. 10 and local residents, most whose houses abut the property where the new fire house will stand, attended the meeting to get some answers.

The approximately 15 residents who were in attendance questioned the fire commissioners on several issues concerning their new fire house, saying that they feel "left out" of the entire process.

The commissioners explained that meetings were held to discuss the new fire house, that was approved by the Town of Oyster Bay board two weeks ago, and the process was not secretive. None of the residents in attendance had heard of the meetings nor had seen the plans.

Joe Frank, attorney for the Jericho Fire District, explained that the plans call for a new fire department that would be located across the street from the current facility on Route 106/107. The current facility would still be operational and used as a distribution operation center.

At the time that the town board unanimously approved the plans, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto suggested that Jericho Fire District set up a meeting with the community to attempt to work out some of the concerns that the community has about the building. Most residents attended the board of commissioners meeting in hopes of setting a date for that community meeting.

"We don't deny that you need more space and more things," said Saundra Gumerove. "We support you but there is a level of frustration. We are suggesting that we schedule something."

Joe Frank explained that he has advised his clients to hold a meeting with the community to address the misinformation. "I've always found good things come out of community meetings," said Frank.

Commissioner Mike Millner was very vocal at the meeting regarding his views on the new firehouse - he voted against it. The final vote was 4-1 to approve the plans and Miller held the dissenting vote.

Residents in attendance were concerned about the size and the need for the new fire house. "We want to be a good neighbor, but we also need a fire house," responded Commissioner Dave Munafo, who explained some of the reasons a new fire house is needed. According to Munafo, the two main reasons for the new fire house are safety and that they have run out of space. Most residents were under the impression that the response time was an issue, which Munafo explained is not.

"Thank you for listening to us. This is good dialog and it is time that we pull together," said one resident who explained that he thought residents would have a chance to speak to the planning commission while they were reviewing the plans. "We didn't get that chance so now this comes to you."

Residents also asked the commissioners if other options were considered. Commissioner Bachteler explained that in 1994,the board of commissioners at that time evaluated four possible sites, one being expanding the present facility. The only viable site, after an extensive review, is the area they selected.

After a great deal of dialog between the five commissioners and the local residents, it was decided that the commissioners will select a date to hold a community meeting and will publicize the date in the Syosset-Jericho Tribune. The meeting will allow residents the chance to see the plans and ask questions of the lawyer and architect. As soon as the date is announced, it will be printed in this paper.