[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Southampton 11-1-1979;
amended in its entirety 10-27-1998 by L.L. No.
38-1998. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
As a matter of policy, the Town Board of the Town of Southampton hereby declares that it is in the community interest to adopt the following chapter pursuant to the provisions of Article 5, § 96-a, of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York and of Article 4, Subdivision 17-a, of § 64 of the Town Law. The first settlement of an English-speaking community in the State of New York, there exist numerous documents, instruments, deeds, patents, charters, writing and other objects having a special character and exceptionally special historic interest and value, all of which form the basis for and contribute to the cultural heritage, education, pleasure and general welfare of the people of the Town and foster pride in the legacy of achievements and beauty of the past. All of these tangible assets provide a sense of identity and place of Southampton as the first English-speaking colony. The same should be restored, preserved, perpetuated, conserved, protected and enhanced as a public necessity and in order to promote the general welfare of the Town and of its inhabitants. Therefore, it is the purpose and policy of the Town Board to establish by this chapter the special conditions, restrictions and implementation for the accomplishment of the above-stated aims and intents, with the powers and authority hereby granted, all of which is found to be necessary to safeguard these documents, instruments, deeds, patents, charters, writings and other objects heretofore referred to in a proper and appropriate manner.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
Manuscripts, documents, instruments, deeds, patents, charters and
other writings having a special character and significance in recording the
founding and development of the community and its organization or government
and relating to the acquisition of titles to land areas in the Town, including,
without limitation, deeds, instruments and patents and including, without
limitation, those writings and instruments dated between the years 1639 and
1704.
The Town Clerk shall investigate, study and authenticate all historic
documents, as hereinabove defined, and, after determining their relevance,
shall investigate the means and cost of restoring, preserving or reproducing
and displaying the same, as well as the cost of making microfilm and exact
or enlarged copies thereof for display or distribution and shall make written
reports to the Town Board.
