Critical Northeast Bulkhead Project Complete
Costello Marine completed the Taylor's Island northeast bulkhead in December 2009.The original concrete bulkhead was built by F.M. Smith in 1911.The bulkhead protects Mr. Taylor's grave, the cabin porch from erosion, and Coecles Harbor from upland spoil.
Costello Marine generously donated the materials for the project. Larry Tuthill and the Town Committee began the permit application process with the NYS DEC in 2006. The permit was issued in 2008. Thank you George and Larry!
Before
After
Town and Taylor's Island Committee apply for matching grant
The Smith-Taylor Cabin, listed on the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places, is eligible for funding from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
In 2009 the Taylor’s Island Preservation and Management Committee worked with the Town of Shelter Island’s grant writer, J. O’Connell and Associates, to complete an Environmental Protection Fund/Historic Preservation matching grant application.
The match for this $117,925 grant application will come from monies left by Mr. Taylor for the care of the property, monies from the Taylor’s Island Foundation created by the Taylor’s Island Committee, volunteer labor, and $3,000 from the Town’s Highway Department.
Because of past planning efforts, the project is now in a “shovel-ready” stage. In 2007, the Town of Shelter Island received a Preserve New York grant to compile an Historic Structure Report on the Smith-Taylor Cabin. This report is a roadmap for the restoration project.
Community support for the grant application included 28 letters of support, 300 petition signatures, as well as an endorsement by Congressman Tim Bishop, State Senator Ken LaValle, and State Assemblyman Marc Alessi.
The grant-funded improvements will be maintained by the Town of Shelter Island and the Taylor’s Island Foundation in accordance with the lease agreement.
Historic Structure Report
Architectural Preservation Consultant Zach Studenroth created an Historic Structure Report as a first step in planning the restoration of the Cabin.
Taylor's Island placed on NYS and National Registers of Historic Places
On July 13, 2007 the Smith-Taylor Cabin on Taylor's Island was officially listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places and on the National Register on September 28, 2007.
The NY State Historic Preservation Office stated "The Smith-Taylor Cabin is historically and architecturally significant as a surviving example of a seasonal seaside bungalow residence." The cabin is the only remaining structure in its original location built by Francis Marion Smith, the "Borax King," a transportation and planning visionary.
This designation is the result of the continuing support of the Shelter Island Community and Town Board, numerous personal letters, and the effort of the Taylor's Island Preservation and Management Committee.
