Civic group calls on Oyster Bay to preserve Maine Maid Inn

<p>The East Norwich Civic Association says the owner of old Maine Maid Inn has failed to preserve the building's historic identity in Jericho.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 24, 2017, 5:47 PM

Updated 2,614 days ago

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The East Norwich Civic Association says the owner of the Maine Maid Inn has failed to preserve the building's historic identity in Jericho. 
Matthew Meng, who heads up the group, claims the Scotto Brothers Catering Company – which purchased the inn after it had fallen into disrepair – neglected the stipulations of the building's landmark status granted by the Town of Oyster Bay in 2012. 
Meng says the Scottos failed to use period colors and original materials on the inn's facades during the renovation.
"We approved to the additions…but he's not adhering to these codes," says Meng.
Meng now says the inn's landmark status, which grants the owner large tax breaks for keeping the building's historical integrity, should be taken away. He is calling on the Town of Oyster Bay to take immediate action. 
"We feel they need to step up to the plate to help save this part of American history," says Meng. 
Built in 1789 by Valentine Hicks, the building was originally a Quaker farmhouse. It was also stagecoach stop and part of the Underground Railroad. It is mostly remembered as the restaurant - The Maine Maid Inn.
Anthony Scotto told News 12 that he "restored the outside of the building exactly the way the town had required" and said if he had not bought the building "it would have been demolished by the wrecking ball."
The restaurant owner says he even placed a sign on Old Jericho Turnpike that recognizes the history of the Maine Maid Inn.