Agency still backs razing of home tied to Helen Keller

Despite a last-minute appeal from a Southold teen, Suffolk's Historic Trust Committee has reaffirmed its recommendation that the so-called "Helen Keller house" at Cedar Beach Park be razed.

"While the committee in good conscience cannot recommend restoration of the house," said Mary Ann Spencer, chair of the nine-member committee, "They do hope that some fitting monument or memorial can be erected at the site."

The committee spent a half-hour Monday reviewing their 2000 demolition decision after Ian Toy, 13, appeared before the county legislature this month to try to preserve the house.

Last night, he said he felt "horrible" about the county decision, but was not giving up. He said he has contacted Keller's grandniece and the American Association for the Deaf-Blind, both of which he said would visit the home in the next few weeks. "I want to see it restored. I want to see it as being either a community education center or a summer retreat for the deaf and blind."

Officials said the house, which the county acquired in 1986, was "not worthy" of preservation because Keller never owned it, renting it once briefly in the summer of 1936 with her famed teacher Annie Sullivan.

Richard Martin, director of historic services, said the back half of the house is in disrepair. The second-floor bedrooms, first-floor kitchen and bathroom had all fallen into the basement. "The fireplace chimney, which once was in the middle of the house, is now part of the back wall," he said.

Officials estimate it would cost about $400,000 to stabilize the house alone and more than $1 million to fully save it. The house only escaped demolition until now because the county lacked the $50,000 to $100,000 to do it. Martin said a date had yet to be set because parks officials still need to get a state permit.