Pettit Avenue

Fire departments and film festivals? Find both on Pettit Avenue

Pettit Avenue is a unique street in Bellmore — part of it serves as municipal parking for the Town of Hempstead and Long Island Rail Road commuters. It intersects Bedford and Central avenues, and is always bustling during the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores' annual events.

Aside from being one of the first streets you see as you step off the LIRR platform, Pettit Avenue is important to the community for some specific reasons. It is home to the Bellmore Fire Department’s headquarters, and also the Bellmore Movies, the site of the annual Long Island International Film Expo.

The fire department operates three firehouses in Bellmore, but its headquarters — with a large, south-facing façade — are a staple to Petitt. Central to Bellmore, neighbors are likely familiar with its sirens during times of emergency, and seeing it used throughout the year for various department events.

In front of the department is its Sept. 11 memorial.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Top: Pettit Avenue intersects Bedford Avenue, making it the perfect gateway to the Bellmore community and main shopping district.

A ceremony is held outside each year in conjunction with the North Bellmore Fire Department, which has its headquarters on Newbridge Road.

Right next door is Bellmore Movies, a 107-year-old one-room cinema. For the last 15 years, it has hosted the Long Island International Film Expo, attracting movie lovers from across the island and beyond. The festival just celebrated its 25th year, and has established itself as well respected festival in the independent film community.

Whether you’re heading into the Bellmore community to do some shopping, or hopping on a train to the city, be sure to take in all that Bellmore has to offer — including everything you can find on Pettit. And beyond. — Jordan Vallone

Top: The large, south facing façade of the Bellmore Fire Department headquarters calls Pettit Avenue its home. Bottom: For the last 15 years, the Bellmore Movies has been the site of the Long Island International Film Festival.