Preserving Local History: Southampton Petition and SHHS

Preservation--and what that term truly means--has been an ongoing issue in the Village of Sag Harbor lately. Zoning and Architectural Review Boards held hearings on several controversial projects in the Village over the last few years, and there are continually more proposals for remodeling, renovating, and even entirely rebuilding properties throughout Sag Harbor.

Similar issues are facing surrounding villages, and the two towns that make up Sag Harbor. We hope you will take some time to read Sally Spanburgh's Change.org petition on 436 Gin Lane in Southampton. This very historic property is up for demolition. Sally Spanburgh has worked with SHHS to try to develop some programming about how to research historic homes--a key task for many who are updating and renovating their historic homes.

Sag Harbor is unique with some of the village's preservation restrictions, because the entire Historic District was nominated for a protective designation, as this blog has previously discussed. However, that designation doesn't apply to houses outside the Historic District, and areas along much of the waterfront.

SHHS Trustee meetings have spent many hours over the last few years debating our role in local preservation movements, and how SHHS can work to support preservation without duplicating the work of other organizations. SHHS Trustees recognize that historic homeowners need to be able to safely maintain and care for their homes and businesses. The Trustees also believe it is deeply important to document and preserve Sag Harbor's historic character. Of course, one of the most beautiful and challenging aspects of Sag Harbor living are the number of different approaches to tackle the same problem...

Preservation is the least restrictive and least disruptive set of standards for historic structures. It does not require rebuilding to a specific period, like a restoration standard. This broad umbrella term remains an increasingly pressing issue in Sag Harbor for multiple reasons, and this blog will continue to have commentary on some of the competing interests that require thoughtful attention from people who care about the historic character of the Village of Sag Harbor.

We hope our members will continue to reach out to us about their thoughts and concerns with local projects and preservation issues, to help our Trustees.