Marion Carll Farm Facing Repairs After Sandy

Commack school officials have started the process of seeking repairs for the historic Marion Carll Farm after it was damaged by Hurricane Sandy. 

Superintendent Donald James said a tarp covering a hole in the roof of the Marion Carll farmhouse was torn off by Hurricane Sandy. While the roof has been temporarily patched with plywood by the district's maintainence crews, further work is needed.

"We are in the process of obtaining necessary bids to put a more permanent tarp over that," James said.

Commack residents were correct in their observations that it appeared the tarp has been blown or ripped off Marion Carll Farm's farmhouse during the storm. However, this information was not publicly announced by school officials during their debriefing on Hurricane Sandy at the Nov. 15 board meeting.  

One of the issues in repairing the Marion Carll Farm is that it is designated as a historic building, according to Board of Education President Mary Jo Masciello. 

Cynthia Clark, a Commack resident, told the board she had spoken with Robert Hughes, the Town of Huntington's historian, who informed her emergency repairs did not have to be historically accurate. 

Clark, concerned about the condition of the farm house and any potential artifacts that may be inside, said she has already solicited offers from local businesses and lumbar yards for the supplies necessary for repairs. 

"If you plea that you don’t have the money, we have licensed and insured contractors and recognized historic contractors ready to help," Clark said. 

Commack's own Harned Brothers Sawmill was one of the lumber companies willing to donate supplies for the farmhouse repairs. 

James said the school district had an upcoming meeting to sit down with FEMA officials regarding damages from Hurricane Sandy, and would check if any repairs done to the Marion Carll Farm property would be eligible for compensation.

Marion Carll Farm's ownership is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit. Commack School District was served with a lawsuit March 16 by Marion Carll's heirs, who seek to repossess the historic property, claiming the school district has failed to use the land for educational and public purposes. The district responded to the lawsuit on June 12.

Following the district's reply, claiming they did not feel Commack School District was making a geniune effort to defend the district's and taxpayers' property. The school district has refuted this motion. 

The lawsuit is still ongoing in the courts at this time. 

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