The Maspeth firehouse, located at 59-29 68 St., has for nearly 100 years been a crucial source of support for area residents, said those leading the charge to preserve the structure that houses Squad 288 and Hazmat 1. File Photo
Community Board 5 members are throwing their support behind landmarking a Maspeth firehouse that has for nearly a century played a prominent role in a tight-knit community.
Following a presentation at the board’s September meeting by a brother and sister duo, Maspeth natives Steve and Maxine Fisher, who are leading the charge to preserve the historic firehouse, CB 5 members have agreed to send a letter to the city Landmarks Preservation Commission to back landmarking the firehouse that will turn 100 in 2014.
The Fishers have stressed the facility’s role throughout the past century – particularly during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, when it lost 19 firefighters – more than any other firehouse in the city.
“I feel it’s not just a firehouse – there are plaques to all the heroes there; there are tools from the Sept. 11 site,” Maxine Fisher said in a previous interview. “It’s a living memorial. It’s significant to the people alive today.
“We’re constantly being told we’ll never forget Sept. 11, but, if, in the future, this firehouse is demolished and sold and something goes up in its place, how can we say we’ll never forget?” she continued.
The residents previously submitted an application to the city Landmarks Preservation Commission, but it rejected the bid for preservation. However, last month the LPC said it would take another look at the request.
The Fishers said their next step in fighting to ensure the firehouse remains a part of the community will be to ask various elected officials to urge that the LPC support the structure.
By Anna Gustafson
