Landmark Maintenance Award Program

“Southampton’s rich heritage and identity are reflected in its historic homes and buildings,” said Councilman John Bouvier. “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.”

The award program, offered for the seventh year and managed by the town’s Landmarks & Historic Districts Board, supports projects that contribute to the preservation and long-term sustainability of designated properties. Example projects include exterior rehabilitations, structural stabilization, window replacements, door and shutter restoration, and the resolution of water-penetration issues.

According to Ed Wesnofske, chairman of the Landmarks & Historic Districts Board, the town has awarded $83,000 to owners over the last six years, “and award has been made to designated 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, a historic resource must already have been designated a town landmark. Owner-applicants are also required to have basic or enhanced School Tax Relief status. The work must be completed in a year and documented by a Landmarks & Historic Districts Board member.

“This is also an incentive to concerned and alert owners of undesignated historic resources to seek landmark designation,” Wesnofske said. “In addition to the maintenance award, local town landmarks are also eligible for a tax abatement program for qualifying improvements and, more significantly, eligible for the purchase of a historic preservation easement by the Town of Southampton.”

Owners interested in finding out if their property is one of the 980 identified historic resources in a 2014 town survey that might qualify landmark status and subsequent benefits, those looking for applications for a historic designation, or anyone seeking additional information should check the Landmarks & Historic Districts Board page on the town’s website.

desiree@indyeastend.com