Demolition Crews Knock Down Old VFW Post In Quogue

Crews demolished the former Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5350 building on Montauk Highway in Quogue earlier this week, clearing the way for a future housing subdivision.

The demolition work, which was ongoing as of Wednesday morning, is being completed by Cardo Site Development, owned by longtime Quogue Village Trustee Randy Cardo.

In late 2014, the 125 Montauk Highway Group LLC purchased the 4.4-acre property from VFW officials for $1.4 million. The developer is looking to construct four new houses on the property.

“Right now, he only has a demolition permit—we haven’t issued any other permits,” Quogue Mayor Peter Sartorius said on Wednesday.

Prior to selling the organization’s longtime home base to a private developer, Bill Hughes, commander of the VFW post, unsuccessfully tried to convince Quogue Village officials to buy the property. He had hoped that the village could renovate the property, which also included a softball field, so it could be a recreational facility. After evaluating the Montauk Highway land, Quogue officials ultimately determined not to make an offer.

In a prior interview, Mr. Hughes explained that proceeds from the sale were used to buy and renovate the VFW’s new home on Old Riverhead Road in Westhampton Beach. He added that post members opted to relocate their headquarters so they would be closer to the Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton—home to the Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing—and might possibly attract new members.