First 250K tax refund to be used for security at Idle Hour mansion

Community activist and member of the neighborhood watch group that has been patrolling Idle Hour mansion at night since the pandemic, Mike Burke, uncovered court documents from December 19 that confirm Mercury International, which is 100 percent owned by Mercury Union Limited, is not in a pending sale nor has listed the property for sale and has recognized the Oct. 17 Town of Islip resolution to change the zoning of the property to a PLP (Planned Landmark Preservation Overlay District).

Community advocates have fought for since 2016 to preserve the historical features and significance of the property.

Mercury has agreed that the PLP must be transferred with any future sale or transfer of the Idle Hour property.

Longtime advocate and president of the historical society, Maryann Almes, said the organization was “thrilled” about the PLP protections being in full effect and thanked the “ever-watchful” community members including “the SCPD and the Town of Islip who have gone above and beyond in their efforts, to the Neighborhood Watch members who walk every day, to the professional agencies that have helped us like Preservation LI, and to the members of the press who shined light on the importance of this act of preservation.”

Oakdale Civic Association president, David Chan, said while the civic is “thankful” for the settlement regarding the taxes that they were “cautiously optimistic” regarding the terms of the agreement. 

“We look forward to seeing how Mercury follows through.  It is our hope that they move forward with securing the property as directed in order to preserve this historic property from further damage,” said Chan.

The following resolutions between Mercury Union director Rui Lui and the Town of Islip have been set forth by the Supreme Court of the State of New York:

An 80 percent tax assessment reduction for Mercury Intl.;

All refunds less tax lawyer fees shall be applied to the maintenance, operation, construction, security, and development related expenses of the subject property;

Submission to a semiannual accounting of the use of these funds (June-15 and Jan-15) to Islip Town Comptroller Office;

The first 250K refund Mercury receives must be used for securing the property related to vandalism no later than 30 days of receipt of payment;

Meeting with Town representatives within 30 days of agreement to determine what steps to take for securing property;

Mercury voluntarily agrees to meet with various divisions of town planning department no later than Jan. 20 to determine permitted uses of the property and what applications are needed;

Mercury must notify any buyers or title transfers of PLP and restrictions.

Mercury will make any necessary applications to planning Department for redevelopment in the 2024 calendar year.

The Town will process, review, and make official comment on these applications within 90 days.

Mercury voluntarily agrees to conduct community outreach with various community groups, property owners, and residents of surrounding neighborhood in the Hamlet of Oakdale no later than March 30, 2024.

Legis. Anthony Piccirillo (R-8th District), whom community members have cited as a strong supporter of the preservation and restoration of Idle Hour Mansion, said, “I am very happy to see that the Town of Islip was able to get significant legally binding  commitments from Mercury.  I hope to continue to work hand in hand with the Town of Islip, and the community to preserve and protect  this historic property.”

The Town of Islip had no comment for the matter at time of print.