Southampton officials troubleshoot plan to buy site where Shinnecock remains were found

Southampton Town officials want to buy the construction site in Shinnecock Hills where bones believed to belong to an ancient tribal leader of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. Regulations prevented them from paying the full amount demanded by the property’s owner, KB Southampton LLC of Water Mill, who asked for $185,000 more than the $390,000 it was appraised for. Tribe members have tried to raise the $185,000 but fallen short. Town officials had wanted to tap the Community Preservation Fund for the purchase, but rules bar spending more than market rate. Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman has met with the owner to try to identify the improvements the appraisal may have missed. These may help boost the appraised value, which could allow officials to use government funds. [27east]