Politics & Government

Town Reaches Out to Historic District Property Owners

The town's historic district was established in 2006.

Residents who live in the town's historic district can paint their home any color.

The myth that a home in the historic destrict can't be painted is one Richard Wines, president of the town's landmark and preservation commission, seeks to shatter with a new educational outreach for residents.

Wines came before the town board at a weekly work session on Thursday to discuss a draft letter to be sent to all property owners in the town's historic district -- with an eye toward raising awareness.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Councilwoman Jodi Giglio said while the downtown historic district was designated by the town board in 2006, many residents who live in the area do not know exactly what that means.

"People don't know that they are in the historic district and, if they make improvements, they can save up to 40 perent in tax credits," Giglio said.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The letter explains that the purpose of the district is to preserve the character and architecture of the area, enhance quality of life, encourage tourism, and boost real estate values.

Property owners can receive federal and state restoration tax credits for improvements in sections of the the district eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The letter explains that before undertaking alterations to the exterior of a buiding a resident should contact the building department to see if a permit and review are necessary.

A review by the Landmarks Commission will not delay the project -- that's another myth, Wines said -- last year, the average review time was seven days.

Wines directed residents to the town's website for further information.

In addition, Wines will soon be erecting historic district signs in the community.

stretching from Griffing Avenue to just east of Maple Avenue was approved for listing on the New York State Register of Historic Places.

With state approval behind it, the application for Riverhead Main Street Historic District will be forwarded for consideration on the National Register of Historic Places sometime later this month or early June, which one state official said "shouldn't be a problem" following the state approval.

"Riverhead was the financial, commercial, and banking center of the East End starting in the 1840s all the way through the middle decades of the 20th century," said Wines at the time. "The area has a lot of historic integrity."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here