Letters

As someone living in a modest house, albeit historic, and of modest means, I applaud the village for coming up with a plan to encourage preservation [“Southampton Village Board Adopts Historic Home Rehabilitation Tax Exemption, 4-1,” 27east.com, February 26]. Spending a significant amount on a historically accurate repair (all historic preservation efforts cost a lot of money), then having a few years to save up for the increase in property taxes due to the change in the assessment, would really help.

A homeowner could choose to never undertake such a restoration, thus never contributing to an increased tax base. Or possibly have the assessment decrease as the property deteriorates. Who wins then?

I’m mystified as to why those of greater means shouldn’t be encouraged to undertake a sensitive restoration. The homes in the historic “estate” section of Southampton are no less part of this village’s history than my house. How wonderful that someone would want to restore their historic district home, rather than replace it with either an imitation or concrete behemoth (see stretch of Meadow Lane between Gin Lane and Coopers Beach).

We should be celebrating those souls that have their hearts in preservation and the means to carry it out. Why not encourage preservation no matter the location in our village?

Sally Van Allen

Southampton Village