Huntington plans to replace roof on 1918 cabin at Greenlawn preserve 

Tucked within a residential neighborhood in Greenlawn is the Edwin and Gertrude Grace Nature Preserve. The expansive 23-acre Huntington Town-owned park includes a log cabin.

The cabin, built in 1918, has fallen into disrepair since its roof was fixed in 2008 following a recommendation from the town's Environmental Open Space & Park Fund Advisory Committee. The town's lack of upkeep of the cabin, which is not easily accessible to residents, has spurred a resident to start a petition asking that the town board make the committee more transparent.   

The town did not provide the cost of the repairs for the cabin in 2008.

"I think more people should be aware of the committee," said Karen Steinhaus of East Northport. "I don't think people realize what they do and how decisions are made."

Steinhaus, for example, wants the town to add the committee's meeting dates to the website calendar, list an agenda, and record all meetings on video. She also wants the public to be allowed input, including a speaking question-and-answer period or a chance to offer an opinion. 

The petition posted online in mid-August has garnered 79 signatures.

Steinhaus told Newsday, "I hope this petition gets the town's attention."

The EOSPA Committee was formed in 1998. Its duty is to advise and recommend to the town board the use of Open Space Bond Act funds for parks and preservation of open space. The Open Space Bond Act for $15 million was approved in 1998, town documents show. Additionally, voters approved $30 million in 2003 and $15 million in 2008. 

Town Supervisor Ed Smyth said Tuesday there is complete transparency in the EOSPA funding process. He said EOSPA is an advisory body that makes recommendations to the town board and does not make funding decisions. Members are appointed by the town board, Smyth said.

"EOSPA resolutions are published before town board meetings that are livestreamed on TV and online," he said. "Residents have an opportunity to propose uses for EOSPA funds directly to the EOSPA Committee and address the town board during the public portion of any meeting on any proposed resolution."

Town officials said it plans to replace the roof of the cabin later this year. In March, the town board approved up to $5,000 in EOSPA funding for that purpose.

Town Historian Robert Hughes says the cabin has historic relevance because it's part of an estate dating to around 1914 with grounds designed by the same architect who designed Heckscher Park. But he said it does not have local historic designation because it's owned by the town.

"Since it's owned by the town, the town board has to approve whatever is done with it as owner," Hughes said.

Smyth said they are still deciding a use for the cabin.

"We will replace the roof and secure the premises, and look for partners in the community who want to use the cabin for scouting or educational use," he said.