PRESS RELEASE                                                      
Sept. 11, 2018
Contact: Connie Conway
(631) 702-1743                        

Southampton Town Moves To Aquire Property Where Remains Were Found In Shinnecock Hills

The Town of Southampton has agreed to purchase the property on Hawthorne Road where remains were found on what is believed to be an ancient burial ground for the Shinnecock Nation.  The Town Board will hold a public hearing on October 9th at 1pm to decide whether Community Preservation Funds should be used for the purchase. 

The owners of the property, KB Southampton LLC has agreed to sell the property to the Town for $450,000.00

“I want to thank the owners of the property and the contractor for doing the right thing and stopping work upon discovery,” said Supervisor Jay Schneiderman at today’s Town Board meeting. 

The remains were found during excavation of the construction site on August 13th and the property owners immediately stopped work.  The remains are being examined by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office and could take some time before it is determined whether they are from the Shinnecock Nation.  An archeological study may also be required of the property to determine whether there are other remains at that location. 

The findings may also prompt formal procedures when ancient remains are found at construction sites in the future.