August 2, 2011
Brookhaven Town Board Approves License
for LIMHOF to Move Into Historic First National Bank,
Brookhaven’s former Tax Receiver Office Building
in Port Jefferson VillageFarmingville, NY – Councilman Fiore-Rosenfeld is proud to announce the Town Board approval of the new License Agreement with the Long Island Music Hall Of Fame (LIMHOF) allowing them to operate a museum/education center in the historic First National Bank Building (former Tax Receiver’s Office) in Port Jefferson.
Councilman Fiore-Rosenfeld stated, “I am thrilled that the Long Island Music Hall of Fame will have finally found a home in Brookhaven in the wonderful village of Port Jefferson. What a brilliant setting LIMHOF will have for a museum in this circa 1900 landmark building which is a magnificent architectural treasure in the heart of Port Jefferson.” He went on to say, “our island has such a rich musical history, Gershwin, Billy Joel, Guy Lombardo, Louie Armstrong just to name a few, putting LIMHOF’s collection of musical memorabilia on display so that the next generation of Long Islanders can learn about this outstanding culture on Long Island is exceptional; one would be hard pressed to find a more appropriate place to open this museum.”
"Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld has been working hard to bring the Long Island Music Hall of Fame to Port Jefferson village and I am glad that the old tax receiver building will no longer be vacant. I wish the Long Island Music Hall of Fame good luck in their new home in downtown Port Jefferson," said Supervisor Mark Lesko.
Jim Faith, Chairman of the LIMHOF Board of Directors said, “on behalf of the LI Music Hall of Fame board of directors, we are excited to work in harmony with the Town of Brookhaven and Village of Port Jefferson to finally see our dream of a brick & mortar, Long Island Music Hall of Fame Museum, come to fruition. The many artists, musicians and bands that have created the rich music history of LI will finally have a home to preserve their legacy”.
A process which was started in 2007 with talks between the Councilman and Supervisor, Long Island Music Hall of Fame, Parks Department and the Finance Department is finally coming to fruition. Working with the support of the Village of Port Jefferson, its Business Improvement District and Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Port Jefferson Historical Society, the plan is to allow the non-profit Long Island Music Hall of Fame to operate a museum/education center devoted to the musical history of Long Island (from Gershwin to Billy Joel) in this Town-owned building in Port Jefferson Village.
The Councilman has been diligently working to restore the historic First National Bank Building (the former Tax Receiver’s Office) in Port Jefferson (c.1900) since having it designated by the Town as a historic landmark in 2005, with it since being placed on both the State and National Registry of Historic Structures. Working with the Supervisor, local historian and other interested members of the greater Port Jefferson community, a plan was developed and executed to restore the exterior of the building and to begin renovations on its interior for its eventual use as a museum/education center. Architectural consultants were hired by the Town to determine what work needed to be done to restore the building to its former beauty.
As a result, $250,000 was appropriated in the 2007 capital budget to restore the exterior portion of the building with more funding expected in the 2008 budget cycle. In 2009, the 1st phase of restoration work was completed after which the interior work begun. Damaged mortar was replaced, brick facing point work was done, white painted window moldings were painted a color that local historians chose as being closest to the original historic trim, and the 100 year-old bank doors were restored and returned to their original location.
The second phase of interior restoration completed by the Parks Department included asbestos abatement on the first floor and in the basement, mold remediation related to the removal of archived Town Tax Receiver documents, and interior painting, wiring and flooring.
“I know I speak for the entire Village community when I say that we are thrilled to welcome the LIMHOF organization to Port Jefferson. We stand ready to partner with them as we believe they will become a vital and integral destination helping boost Port Jefferson and the Town's local economy and visibility,” stated Mayor Margot Garant.
"The Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson, having assisted Brookhaven Town Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld with the placement of the First National Bank of Port Jefferson building onto the State and Federal Registries of Historic Places fully supports the sensitive adaptation of this important historical structure to the new home of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame Museum. This building has played a vital and important role in the development of the Village as well as Brookhaven Town and continues to be a tangible link to our ship building, commerce and architectural past. We thank Brookhaven Town and the Village of Port Jefferson for supporting the preservation of the building and putting it back into use for all to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming and working with the L.I. Music Hall of Fame in its beautiful new home," said Nick Acampora, President, Greater Port Jefferson Historical Society.
Long Island Music Hall of Fame is a non-profit IRS 501(c)(3) organization, with NYS State Education Chartered authority to educate and develop a museum. The License Agreement grants to the LIMHOF the ability to operate within this Town owned building for 15 years with an option for a 5 year extension. Given the public use the non-profit education component and access to this building the Town will only require a nominal $10.00 fee. LIMHOF will be responsible for all other operational expenses such as Executive Director, other staff salaries, utility costs, any additional capital building needs such as construction of exhibit and office spaces and any proposed musical training room. LIMHOF will also be responsible for any specialty equipment such as special electrical, humidity control, and special alarm system.
Town of Brookhaven
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258
