Town of Shelter Island, NY Chapter 77 Historic Preservation

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Shelter Island 8-4-2006 by L.L. No. 10-2006. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Zoning -- See Ch. 133.

§ 77-1 Title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Historic Preservation Law of the Town of Shelter Island."

§ 77-2 Purpose.

A. The Town of Shelter Island believes it important to afford proper recognition to its historic landmarks and help maintain them for the continuing recognition, use and enjoyment of current and future residents and visitors of the Town.

B. In doing so, it is expressly the intent of the Town of Shelter Island not to affect, abridge, limit or change in any way the uses permitted by the zoning regulations as applicable to such properties.

C. By the enactment of this chapter, it is the Town's intention to meet the objectives set forth by the Town in its Comprehensive Plan. A basic goal set forth in that plan is the preservation of archaeological and cultural resources in order to protect linkages between the Town's history and its present life. A further goal is the protection of the Island's small-town community and way of life, its rural character, and the natural resources which support those qualities. Efforts should be made to maintain the distinctiveness of its neighborhoods as a guide to future development.

§ 77-3 Historic Advisory Commission; membership; terms; powers and duties.

A. There is hereby created a commission to be known as the "Historic Advisory Commission." The Historic Advisory Commission shall consist of up to five members, to be appointed by the Town Board, to the extent available in the community, as follows:

(1) At least one member shall be experienced in working with historic buildings;

(2) At least one member shall have interest in and commitment to the field of historic preservation; and

(3) All members shall have an interest in historic preservation and architectural development within the Town of Shelter Island.

B. Members of the Historic Advisory Commission shall serve for terms of three years with the exception of the initial term of up to two of the members which shall be for one year, up to two which shall be for two years, and one which shall be for three years.

C. The Chair of the Commission shall be elected by and from the members of the Commission annually at the first regular meeting of the calendar year, except for the first organizational meeting convened after this chapter is enacted.

D. The powers of the Commission shall include:

(1) To coordinate and advocate actions for managing historic resources as set forth in the Town's Comprehensive Plan;

(2) Undertaking a program of surveying and documenting of the Town's historic landmarks and historic districts within the Town;

(3) Recommendation for designation of identified historic landmarks;

(4) Increasing public awareness of the value of historic preservation by developing and participating in public education programs;

(5) Preparing a manual describing the Town's history, highlighting the distinctiveness of the Island's historic landmarks and neighborhoods and suggesting guidelines for building in harmony with that inheritance;

(6) Making recommendations to Town government concerning the utilization of state, federal or private funds to promote the preservation of historic landmarks and districts within the Town.