Save the Apollas Arnold House in East Hampton

Photo from Apollas Arnold House Facebook page

This letter first appeared in The Middletown Press.

From Dr. Margaret McCutcheon Faber, Middle Haddam
Faber serves on Connecticut’s Historic Preservation Council, but is writing this letter as a concerned citizen.

Dear Editor,

The Town of East Hampton plans to purchase and demolish the circa 1790 Apollas Arnold House at 2 Bevin Boulevard for a parking lot that will serve a town facilities “hub.”

Because the property is a contributing resource to the Belltown National Register Historic District, it is protected from “unreasonable destruction” under Connecticut’s Environmental Protection Act — a process that is underway should the Town Council continue down this path

Photo from Apollas Arnold House Facebook page

It should be noted that moving a national register property is not considered an acceptable preservation solution but a last resort. Per the National Register Federal Program Regulations Title 36 CFR, “Properties listed in the National Register should be moved only when there is no feasible alternative for preservation.”

Prudent and feasible alternatives for the 2,696-square-foot structure might include housing town offices, serving as a meeting space, a welcome center or museum or being offered for sale as a residence/business.

The Apollas Arnold House is the sole 18th-century structure remaining in East Hampton’s . . .
Click here to read the rest of the letter in The Middletown Press.