Once, it was a glamorous train depot where the wealthy refreshed themselves before continuing on to the polo grounds in Old Westbury. Later, it became a rocket test site, the scene of occult rituals, and a toxic reminder of scientific experiments gone awry. Now, residents claim, the dilapidated structure that stands at 425 Merrick Ave.--just across the street from Eisenhower Park--is a deathtrap.

Clearly visible from the street, encircled by a simple chain link fence, and guarded by the crumbling remains of boards that were erected four years ago, the structure is an invitation to vandals, homeless people, and curiosity seekers. The grounds are littered with rocket nozzles, beer bottles and laboratory equipment. It is an accident waiting to happen, according to 3rd Precinct Officer Bruno Dellapina.

"Structurally, it's falling apart," said the Problem Oriented Police (POPS) cop. "It's amazing that there is yet to be anyone taken out of there hurt or even killed."

Approximately four years ago, according to Dellapina, property owner Irving Anton was prepared to raze the old structure and erect new office buildings in its place. But before the building could be demolished, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) insisted on administering a series of tests for contamination. Indeed, experiments performed by the three successive laboratories operating on the property since the late 1970s had bequeathed enough toxicity to warrant a listing as a federal Superfund cleanup site.

Then, in November of 1999, when all of the contaminated soil had been removed, the New York State Department of Health requested an additional test for surface contamination be performed, according to Mark Lawery from the DEC. Significant pools of mercury and PCBs were discovered.

Because further off-site investigation is required, Lawery told The Westbury Times that the earliest the DEC could be expected to produce a Proposed Remedial Action Plan and record of decision would be by March 31 of next year.

"It is impossible to predict how long after those documents are produced when the cleanup will take place because it will depend on what is found in the investigation and what kind of remediation is necessary," he added.

Responsibility now lies with the Building Department of the Town of Hempstead to enforce safety precautions. This past week, the Building Department notified Barry Cohen, Anton's attorney, that the property would need to be re-secured, according to Michael McConnell, press secretary for the Town of Hempstead. "We are going to go out there over the weekend, and if it is not done, we are going to give them another call and ask them to do it."

However, Dellapina voiced doubts about the effectiveness of re-boarding the structure. "About four years ago, Anton spent almost $10,000 to secure the place. He put wood planks throughout. He had people over there a whole week boarding it up," he said. "Now, he couldn't board it up the way he did back then because the interior is crumbling. The walls wouldn't be able to hold anything anymore. Fencing is so easy to break. If kids want to get into something, they'll get in," he added.

Salisbury resident and president of the Community Association of Stewart Avenue Beverlee Szymanski had other concerns. "The expense involved in re-boarding that building is enormous. If the owner invests all that money, the place will never come down."

In the meantime, reports of trespassing are increasing, said Dellapina. "Back in 1996 and '97 we would be called a couple of times a week, finding kids in there doing their rituals, their drinking. It slowed down, but it never totally stopped. Now that summer is approaching, we expect that more kids will go down there, just because they are curious."

Dellapina emphasized that the police had on file a signed deposition which would permit officers to automatically arrest trespassers without notifying the owner first. The owner could also press criminal charges, if he should choose to do so.

"Truthfully, this has gone on too long," said Vickie DeJong, chair of the Citizens Committee for Civic Action. "What we are looking for now is that it be taken care of as soon as possible, clearing the way for whatever development might come. I am not as concerned with aesthetics as I am contamination and safety issues, but the Town likes to promote beauty and tourism, and this eyesore is right across from Eisenhower Park."