Community groups contacted 3 days after deadline by Idle Hour owner

Mercury International, owners of the Idle Hour Mansion in Oakdale, missed their March 30 deadline to establish community outreach in regards to security and preservation of the property.

On April 2, the new attorney for Mercury, Bram Weber of Weber Law Group who specialize in zoning and land-use in Melville and was retained earlier this year by the Chinese-based company, contacted the Oakdale Civic Association and Oakdale Historical Society to “open the door.”

Weber said that in his talks with both groups that, “security is the primary issue” to his client and said that now that he “had just learned of a contact from the Civic President” within the Suffolk County Police Department, he would be reaching out to them as well.

“Prior to today [Tuesday, April 2], we had been in touch with the Town regarding some proposals regarding securing the property. Those discussions are ongoing with the Town,” said Weber.

“We welcome any professional involvement in security,” said Weber.

Oakdale Civic Association president, Dave Chan lamented and said, “Sadly, I feel that yet again, the community is being left in the dark regarding these issues. While we were pleased that a settlement was agreed upon between Mercury and the Town of Islip, we are disheartened by the lack of transparency that has happened since then. By this point in time, there should have been a plan in place regarding maintenance and security of the former Dowling properties.”

Chan cited the “only security” around the Idle Hour property was the voluntary Neighborhood Watch patrol comprised of local residents, “There continue to be attempted break ins on the property. We have continually asked for Mercury to maintain themselves as a ‘good neighbor.’”

Last year nearly 20 arrests were made in connection with vandalism and break-ins at the Idle Hour mansion after community members called upon SCPD to increase patrols.

Oakdale Historical Society President Maryann Almes said the organization “looks forward to the implementation of upcoming changes that were shared with us recently by Mercury's legal representative. It has always been our goal that this magnificent estate is protected and her history preserved.”

In a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York that was resolved late in 2023, Mercury was given a tax assessment reduction of 80% with a stipulation that the first $250,000 would be used towards security for the Idle Hour property.

In the resolution, it was stipulated that, “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.”

Town of Islip Councilman Jim O’Connor (R-District 2) said, “It is disappointing that Mercury International has chosen to ignore the terms of the Court-approved settlement with the Town of Islip. That Court-approved settlement called for Mercury to meet with the community by March 30, 2024. That date has come and gone!”

O’Connor said he was “encouraged” after learning that Mercury counsel had reached out to the community on April 2.

“It is important for Mercury International to meet with and LISTEN TO the Oakdale community when it comes to securing and preserving this property. It is not too late for Mercury International to become a good neighbor in Oakdale. Hopefully, in their meetings with the community, they will learn, what a great community Oakdale is, and how much the Oakdale residents care about the Dowling property,” said O’Connor.

Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-8th District) said, “You would think after agreeing to a settlement that this absentee landlord would actually start to care about the safety and quality of life of the community. I remain hopeful they will get their act together, but my patience is running thin.”