HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/21/2013
James Grathwohl, Chairperson Town Hall Annex
Donald Feiler 54375 Route 25
James Garretson PO Box 1179
Anne Surchin Southold, NY 11971
Gary Parker Fax (631) 765-9502
Doug Constant Telephone: (631) 765-1802
Robert Harper southoldtown.northfork.net
Damon Rallis, Administrative Assistant
Town of Southold
Landmark Preservation Commission Minutes
3:00 p.m., May 21, 2013
Southold Town Hall Annex Conference Room
Attendees:
James Grathwohl, Donald Feiler, James Garretson, Anne Surchin, Robert Harper, Doug
Constant, and Damon Rallis.
Call to Order & Approval of Minutes:
Meeting was called to order and minutes from the April 16, 2013 meeting passed unanimously.
Introduction:
Chairman James Grathwohl introduced newly-appointed commissioner, Robert Harper, of
Mattituck. Commissioner Harper lives in a Southold Town Landmark and sees his work on the
commission as a way to “pay back.”
Chairman’s Comments:
James Grathwohl commented on two recently released books about the history of Cutchogue and
New Suffolk and one about the Wickham murders. He said that a book about the history of
Mattituck was forthcoming.
Chairman Grathwohl spoke briefly about the town’s move to declare The General Wayne Inn
unsafe. He noted that the property/building is not a landmarked structure.
Old Business:
Chairman Grathwohl continued the discussion of publishing information in the local newspapers,
particularly regarding three target properties; The Customs House in Southold, The Douglas
Moore House, and Sacred Heart Church. However, he reiterated that none of these properties
were designated landmarks and noted that both Tim Kelly (of The Suffolk Times) and Assistant
Town Attorney Jennifer Andaloro warned that any reference to these properties should be done
“carefully.”
Anne Surchin gave an account of what has been done to The Customs House thus far and
expressed her concern that there are no safeguards currently in place to protect these historic
structures.
Landmark Preservation Commission Minutes, May 21, 2013 (Page 2)
Chairman Grathwohl said that what happens to non-landmarked properties was out of the
commission’s control and said that the commission’s primary focus should be to get additional
properties landmarked.
Commissioner Surchin suggested that the commission advocate for more protection of historic
structures through the town’s master plan which is currently being created by the planning
department.
Damon agreed to contact the planning department and invite them to the next meeting so that
commissioners could voice their concerns.
Meetings:
3:30 p.m.:
Zack Studenroth and Mike Malkush, re: Sacred Heart Church.
Commissioners had a spirited discussion with Mr. Studenroth and Mr. Malkush regarding
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the future of Sacred Heart Church in Cutchogue. They explained that they, through the
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council, have been working behind the scenes to
preserve the historic structures on the Sacred Heart property.
Mr. Studenroth and Mr. Malkush explained that they have been meeting with various
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civic and community organizations to rally support and also to disseminate information.
They have also been in touch with the diocese regarding the issue.
Mr. Studenroth and Mr. Malkush also announced that the Society for the Preservation of
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Long Island Antiquities would be placing the Sacred Heart Church on its annual list of
endangered historic structures.
Commission Surchin discussed the role of community preservation funds in protecting
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historic structures.
Chairman Grathwohl assured both Mr. Studenroth and Mr. Malkush that the commission
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supported their efforts and was willing to assist in any way it could.
Next Meeting: June 18, 2013 at 3 p.m. in the Town Hall Annex