Letters

In a step toward greater transparency and public participation, I will present for vote to the Southampton Village Board a resolution that would release the draft “Preservation Studios Historic Resource Survey” to the public [“Southampton Village Denies FOIL Requests for Draft Historic District Report,” 27east.com, December 3]. The survey, compiled by a private preservation consultancy, inventories and documents historic and potentially historic properties and resources throughout the village.

Under the proposed resolution, once adopted, the survey will be made immediately available for inspection and copying under the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), subject only to lawful redactions. At the same time, all members of the Village Board will receive the full survey for internal review so that they may better evaluate potential policy implications, zoning or land-use decisions, and possible historic district designations.

The public release is intended to ensure transparency, give residents full access to information that may affect property rights and community character, and allow informed public input on any future preservation actions.

The board is expected to vote on the resolution at its upcoming regular meeting on December 11.

Edward Simioni

Trustee

Southampton Village