The Town of Hempstead Landmarks Preservation Commission voted Tuesday to move the issue of the Bedell House landmark status to their next meeting.

The early 20th century home has been vacant for 16 years. The current owner of the property wants to tear down the home and milk farm to build three homes in its place.

Members of the community have said that plan would destroy a piece of North Merrick's history. They made pleas to save the house located on Meadowbrook Road in North Merrick.

Those who came out to save the home say they are excited about the outcome from the commission.

"I am really thrilled I can help contribute to making something so viable come to life and hopefully go our way in Merrick for this to become a historical landmark," says Berta Weinstein, of Merrick.

The home does not currently have any running water or electricity, so it is not able to be lived in.

Those who are fighting to keep the home in the area believe it is structurally safe and can be made into a museum.

"I call tonight a turning point, I think we have to make a determination," says Joe Baker, former president of the Historical Society of Merrick. "This is so important for the people of Merrick."

"I think with the plea of the community here and everyone who spoke, I think they are giving it a second thought," says Director of the Board of Trustees for the North Merrick Public Library Richard C. Smith.

There is no set date for the next Landmarks Preservation Commission meeting, but they say they will hear the recommendation for landmark status again sometime in the fall.