FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Councilman John Bouvier (Landmarks and Historic Districts Board - Liaison)
(631) 287-5745
December 9, 2020
Southampton – Owners of Town designated Historic Landmark properties are urged to apply for a 2021 Landmarks Maintenance Program Award. This will be the eighth year of the program managed by the Southampton Landmarks & Historic Districts Board. The deadline for applications is Thursday, December 31, 2020.
“Southampton’s rich heritage and identity are reflected in its historic homes and buildings. Through the Landmarks Maintenance Award Program, the continued protection and preservation of important structures that are owned by people under financial constraints is encouraged and supported by the Town,” said Councilman John Bouvier.
The Award Program supports projects that contribute to the preservation and long-term sustainability of Landmarked properties. Example projects may include exterior rehabilitations; structural stabilization; window replacements, door and shutter restoration; and the resolution of water-penetration issues.
“The Town has awarded a total of $106,715 to owners over the last seven years,” according to Ed Wesnofske, Chair of the Landmarks & Historic Districts Board. "Awards have made to designated Town Landmarks in Water Mill, East Quogue, Shinnecock Hills and Hampton Bays that applied for a variety of exterior maintenance conditions."
To be eligible for the award, an historic resource must already have been designated a Town landmark. Owner-applicants are also required to have Basic or Enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR) status. The work must be completed in a year and documented by a Landmarks & Historic Districts Board member.
“This is an incentive to concerned and alert owners of undesignated historic resources to seek landmark designation. In addition to the maintenance award, local Town Landmarks are also eligible for a tax abatement program for qualifying improvements and the sale of a historic preservation easement,” according to Mr. Wesnofske.
Owners interested in finding out if their property is one of the 980 identified historic resources in a 2014 Town Survey that might qualify for Town Landmark status and subsequent benefits should check the link "Southampton Historic Resources Survey (AKRF, 2014)" on the Landmarks & Historic District Board pages at http://www.southamptontownny.gov/390/Historical-Studies-Reports.
Applications for a Town Landmark designation and for the Landmarks Maintenance Award can be found under “Applications & Forms” on http://www.southamptontownny.gov/730/Applications-Forms.
Questions can be addressed to any of the Landmarks Board members indicated on the Town website.
