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12/05/2007
Historic Property Owners Could Get Tax Breaks
By:Robert Wargas

If adopted, a new initiative could bring temporary tax exemptions to owners of historic properties in the town of Southold, provided they voluntarily enroll their property in the town's official Register of Historic Landmarks. An amendment to an existing law, the proposal is part of an incentive program that will better enable the town's Historic Preservation Commission to do the job its name implies, according to Town Supervisor Scott Russell.
Under the current law, owners of historic properties who have voluntarily placed their names on the protected rolls must first submit an application to the Historic Preservation Commission if they wish to renovate or change the appearance of their homes or property. The commission's approval is contingent on whether they believe the renovations will affect the historic character of the estate.
According to Russell, the problem lies in there being no inducement for owners of such properties to enroll, since doing so subjects them to the commission's power and scrutiny. The proposed amendment, said Russell, would create an incentive in the form of a tax deferment plan for homeowners whose taxes increase as a result of alterations. Russell believes that the law would entice more owners to register with the town, thereby reducing the chance that local landmarks will be altered, torn down, or destroyed.
Under the proposal, owners on the registry wishing to build on their land still would have to apply for a building permit with the Historic Preservation Commission. If the application is approved, the owner would have his or her property assessed both before any work is done and after the work has been completed. If the assessment increases, said Russell, the owner would be exempt from paying the additional taxes for the first five years. After this time period, 20% of the extra assessed value would be added each year on top of the pre-existing taxes. This occurs until the tenth year, at which point the owner would be paying taxes on the full assessed value.
Presently, there are two ways in which properties may be deemed historic, explained James Grathwohl, president of the town's Historic Preservation Commission, alternatively known as the Landmarks Preservation Commission. First, residents may volunteer to have their homes inspected by the commission, which makes the final judgment. Second, the commission itself may recommend to certain property owners that they enroll themselves on the Register of Historic Landmarks. In both cases, said Grathwohl, property owners who come to be on the list must then abide by the rules of the commission if they want to build on their property.
The definition of "historic" does not extend merely to very old properties, said Grathwohl. Any building or property that is indicative of a specific time period or that was designed by an architect of historic prominence may qualify to be on the town's register. Grathwohl also stated that the commission only looks into renovations that target the outward appearance of the property, leaving interior alterations to the owner's discretion.
"We want to make sure that any additions or renovations to the property are compatible with the architecture of the house and maintain the ambiance of the neighborhood," said Grathwohl.
Prior to 2004, the Historic Preservation Commission was an advisory board that had no real authority, according to Russell. They only could make suggestions to historic property owners about whether to proceed with any renovations. The 2004 amendments created a stronger commission and a means of reviewing intended changes, Russell added. Now, Russell wants historic property owners to be rewarded for making the effort to preserve the quality of their homes. "Government can't be in a position to take all the time," he said. "You have to give also."
A public hearing concerning the new initiative will be held on December 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Southold Town Hall.