HomeMy WebLinkAboutWhy Preserve our Local LandmarksWHAT HAPPENS ONCE A
LANDMARK IS DESIGNATED?
Whenever a property owner requests
a building or demolition permit for a
designated landmark, the Building
Department automatically notifies
the Commission.
The Commission has 60 days to ap-
prove, modify or disapprove the appli-
cation.
If the Commission denies an appli-
cation, the applicant may request
approval on the grounds that the
prohibition will subject the applicant
to undue hardship.
The Town Board may call a hearing
to review Commission actions if a
landmark owner feels aggrieved by
the action.
SOUTHOLD TOWN LANDMARKS
PRESERVATION COMMISSION
53095 MAIN ROAD, PO BOX 1179
SOUTHOLD, NY 11971
(631) 765-1800
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
Scott Russell, Supervisor, Ex-Officio
James Grathwohl, Chairman
Larry Jungblut, Secretary
James Garretson
Mel Phaff
Ron Rossi
Barbara Schnitzler
Damon Rallis, Admin Asst.
OUr Uniq,.
Southold Town
Landmarks Preservation
Commission
CELEBRATING THE
PAST ... SHAPING OUR
FUTURE:
WHY' PRES~RV~ OUR
LOCAL LANDMARKS
SOUTHOLD TOWN HAS
A RICH PAST
From its founding in 1640 to the dawn
of the 21st century, there are many sur-
viving examples of our town's unique
landmarks that we should honor and
preserve. Intense development pres-
sure in the past few years has made the
situation even worse.
Like many communities, we are seeing
that the advantages of landmark des-
ignation and preservation outweigh the
disadvantages. Local legislation is the
primary and best method of protect-
ing nearly 1,200 landmarks and historic
buildings in the township against in-
compatible alterations or demolition.
NEW LANDMARKS
PRESERVATION CODE
An effective landmarks preservation
law is like an insurance policy. It covers
us when a catastrophe - a demolition
or incompatible alteration - strikes. In
2004, the Southold Town Board passed a
revised law regarding the preservation
of historic landmarks. The new code
created a Landmarks Preservation Com-
mission consisting of seven members,
all of whom are knowedgeable about the
Town's history and architecture. The
mission of the Commission is to afford
proper recognition to the town's land-
marks and to provide careful, thought-
ful and informed evaluation of any pro-
posed alteration, demolition or removal
of any designated local landmark.
WHY PRESERVE: THE BENEFITS
OF LANDMARK DESIGNATION
· Assures future preservation
· Saves valuable resources
· Creates "special" places to live and work
· Attracts more visitors
· Encourages investment
· Increases property values
· Produces Federal tax benefits
· May result in local tax abatement (FUTURe
· Makes restoration advice available
WHAT LANDMARK DESIGNATION
DOES NOT DO
· Does not restrict the colors you
can paint your house
· Does not impact interior alterations
· Does not create economic hardship
· Does not dictate architectural styles
· Does not regulate routine maintenance
maintenance and repairs
SOUTHOLD TOWN'S HISTORIC
AND SCENIC RESOURCES
· Many outstanding 17th, 18th, 19th and
20th century buildings and structures
in the hamlet centers, rural areas,
and business districts.
· Neighborhoods of historic homes.
· Hundreds of landmark-eligible
homes, farm buildings and other
structures scattered throughout the
town.
HOW IS A LANDMARK OR
HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATED?
· Nomination:
Anyone can nominate a landmark
or district for designation. Simply
complete a Landmark Nomination
Form and submit it to the Commis-
sion. The Commission can also
institute the process on its own.
· Designation:
The Commission will review all
nominated buildings, structures
and districts to determine eligibil-
ity and make recommendations to
the Town Board. The Town Board
officially declares both individual
landmarks and historic districts
after appropriate notifications and
public hearings.