SHPO Initial Reponse MAC.pdf

Division for Historic Preservation

P.O. Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189 • (518) 237-8643 • parks.ny.gov

ANDREW M. CUOMO

ERIK KULLESEID

Governor

Commissioner

May 12, 2020

Robert Ditroia Capital Improvement Plan Officer US Merchant Marine Academy Furuseth Hall 300 Steamboat Road Kings Point, NY 11024

Re:

MARAD

Construction of Midshipman Activities Center 300 Steamboat Rd, Great Neck, NY 11024

20PR02887

Dear Mr. Ditroia:

Thank you for requesting the comments of the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). We have reviewed the provided documentation in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. These comments are those of the SHPO and relate only to Historic/Cultural resources. They do not include other environmental impacts to New York State Parkland that may be involved in or near your project.

We note that Melville and Land Halls are contributing resources to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Historic District. We have reviewed your Section 106 consultation initiation letter dated April 28th, 2020. Based upon our review, we understand that demolition of both historic buildings for the construction of a new building is proposed. As such, by definition under applicable state and federal historic preservation laws, demolition would be considered an Adverse Effect. Before our office can concur with the proposal it must be demonstrated that reasonable alternatives to demolition have been considered through an Analysis of Alternatives to demolition. In order to continue our review, please provide the following materials:

1. Photos showing the immediate setting of the project area, keyed to a site plan.

2. Site plans and or drawings showing the proposed work.

3. Alternatives Analysis. This analysis should explain the project’s purpose and need, and should contain a written and illustrated assessment of alternatives to avoid the adverse effect of demolition and/or alternatives to minimize harm to Melville and Land Halls and to the Historic District. Possible alternatives could include adaptive reuse of the two historic buildings; adaptive reuse plus construction of a new addition (or additions) to the historic buildings; and alternate locations on campus where the proposed MAC could feasibly be sited so as to avoid demolition.

We would appreciate if the requested information could be provided via our Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) at https://cris.parks.ny.gov/ on the CRIS site, you can log in as a guest and choose "submit" at the very top menu. Next choose "submit new information for an existing project" at the very bottom of the page. You will need this project number and your e-

Division for Historic Preservation

P.O. Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189 • (518) 237-8643 • parks.ny.gov mail address. If you have any questions, I can be reached at (518) 268-2182.

Sincerely, Olivia Brazee Historic Site Restoration Coordinator olivia.brazee@parks.ny.gov via e-mail only