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March 10, 1975 Page 2 5. Correspondence Mr. Rothermel read a letter addressed to Mr. Jack Smith, dated January 15, 1975, from Ruth Price, Executive Vice President of Southhold Restorations regarding Southhold's plans for Historic Preservation Week and a possible project for the Commission. This might be to furnish a eounty�map showing the locations of historic buildings that Southhold plans on photographing. Ms. Schlereth passed around numerous brochures that the Commission had received from the National Trust. A Newsletter from the Art Library Society of North America, was also passed around. 6. Hearing of Visitors Mr. Smith introduced Mr. Richard S. Johnson, Executive Director of the Area Plan Commission for the purposes of giving the Commission some background information on zoning procedures and what zoning can and cannot do. He stated that the Building Commissioner only enforces zoning legislation, he cannot interpret the law. The City Board of ---Zoning Appeals and the Area Board of Zoning Appeals are the quasi-judicial bodies which have the power to interpret the law, set standards and grant variances. If someone is dis- satisfied with their ruling, the decision may be appealed to the courts. The primary function of zoning is to develop a land use policy, Mr. Johnson stated, not to cure social ills. He explained the lengthy procedure that was involved in any petition to amend the zoning ordinance and explained some of the problems of the present Historic Preservation Zoning ordinance concerning the questions of permissable use. He also reminded the Commission that zoning can not save an historic building if the owner wishes to tear it down. The Commission might get a stay before a .-demolition permit would be issued, during which time it could try to find a buyer for the building, but the owner of the property still has the right to demolish a structure is he so wishes. Mr. Nimt2 moved that the present HP ordinance be referred to the Legal. Committee for the purposes of re -drafting it, in consultation with Mr. Dunfee. Mr. 0xian seconded the motion and it passed. Mr. Nimtz next moved that the Commission begin considering a historic district ordinance, and that this matter be referred to the historic district committee for the purposes of preparing a recommendation for a district in the West Washington Avenue area. Mr. 0xian seconded the motion and it passed. 7. Committee Reports Budget & Finance Mr. 0xian reported that there was no report at this time. Historic Districts In the absence of the chairperson, Mr. Nimtz reported that