Southampton Town Board Votes in Favor of Protecting Unmarked Burials and Grave Sites
On September 8, the Southampton town board voted unanimously to pass two resolutions to address the preservation of unmarked burials and grave sites within the town. Resolution 2020-759 serves to protect the sanctity of unmarked burial sites by creating the position of town archaeologist, establishing a clear local process when remains are uncovered, ensure consultation, and explore acquisition of land from willing sellers. Resolution 2020-760 enacts a temporary six month moratorium on certain development actions within the hamlet of Shinnecock Hills, which will allow the review of current laws and ensure that human remains and associated funerary artifacts remain undisturbed to the greatest extent possible.
You can read more here, in our letter of support, and review the text of the resolutions here.
We applaud Southampton for taking actions to celebrating its historic and cultural past!