21 meeting.
The parcel sits within the Bethel Christian Avenue Laurel Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National Register. Town planner Mr. Reed told the board the subdivision would require relaxations of up to 89% for frontage, and said the town's Historic District Advisory Committee had strongly recommended denial of both the subdivision and the demolition.
The board said it would hold the matter open pending a response from the New York State Historic Preservation Office, and later voted to carry the case to Nov. 4.
Speakers described the house, known as the Lucy Hart Keys house, as part of a historic Black and Native American enclave. Reverend Lisa Williams, pastor of Bethel AME Church, asked the board what purpose a historic district serves if its defining properties can be destroyed, and said, "Let us not become the generation that had the opportunity to preserve history, but instead gave permission to destroy it."
A resident told the board, "I live there and I can't see what's happening with them even thinking about tearing down or destroying that home at 37 Christian." A speaker identified as Edwards, who said she represents a family on Christian Avenue since the 1950s, said the block is "literally one block that's native and black" and that losing it "would be a travesty."
An aide to Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright read a letter into the record urging the board to deny the application, saying the house and its twin next door helped define the look and character of the historic district.
The board took up several other zoning matters during the session. It closed and held for decision a 3-lot subdivision near Association Road and Circuit Road in Bellport requiring 11 variances, after a neighbor raised concerns about traffic and driveway placement.
The board approved a height variance for a new wall sign at Stony Brook Commons and a replacement Marshalls sign variance at Southport Shopping Center in Shirley.
The board closed and held a land-division matter on Legacy Court and Hickory Street after neighbors raised questions about a proposed paper-street abandonment and traffic. It also approved, 6-0 with one recusal, a special permit and parking variance for overnight vehicle storage at an industrial site in Medford.
A proposed 4-lot subdivision on Virginia Avenue and Arlington Road was adjourned to Nov. 4 after the applicant's attorney agreed to consider shrinking a proposed house to reduce the variances needed, and after a neighbor said his property may encroach on the site, a dispute the board said should be resolved before the subdivision proceeds.