Readers Write: G.N. Historical Society supports landmarking Tower Ford

The Island Now

To Members of the Village of Thomaston Historic Preservation Commission:

The Great Neck Historical Society strongly supports the proposal before the Village of Thomaston’s Landmark Commission to landmark the Belgrave Motors building, also known as the Tower Ford building, at 124 South Middle Neck Road.

This Tudor Revival building, which is in pristine condition, graces the entranceway into Great Neck and blends with other notable buildings of the era, many landmarked by the Village of Great Neck Plaza.

As all of you know, it is significant that the New York State Historic Preservation Office has deemed the building eligible for both the state and national registers of historic places. Not only is such a designation an honor, but owners may also qualify for economic incentives such as tax credits and grants.

The villages of the Plaza and Thomaston have wisely enacted local laws establishing Landmark Commissions to protect buildings with historic and/or architectural importance. While the Great Neck Historical Society has a recognition program for buildings or private homes of significance, it does not have the legal authority to actually protect them from destruction.

We have witnessed the neglect and disrepair of notable buildings worthy of saving, and know that if they are in shambles, developers will advocate for demolition. The Playhouse Theater is the most recent example of this process. We are currently working to save the Steppingstones Lighthouse and the Saddle Rock Gristmill, but their fates are uncertain.

It is heartening to see a new generation of passionate, eloquent residents rise up to fight against losing the Belgrave Motors building. We often hear the lament “Great Neck is just not what it used to be.” It is critical that we recognize and appreciate what has not been lost and what gives character to the look of our hometown.

Buildings like Belgrave Motors are irreplaceable, and with a creative vision, can be successfully repurposed to spark new life into the heart of the peninsula. The Village of Roslyn is a thriving example of such actions.

You, as commission members, are being given a great opportunity along with the power to do something beneficial for our whole community. We urge you to use that power to save this very special building.

Jay Mancus

Great Neck Historical Society

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