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Shinnecock Nation and residents demand guarantees for Paul Cuffee gravesite as county readies federally funded work
Summary
A representative of the Shinnecock Nation and multiple residents pressed the county to ensure the Reverend Paul Cuffee gravesite (NPS‑listed) will be protected; county said it will avoid work near the site and that Section 106 review will be required as part of the federal funding process.
Representatives of the Shinnecock Nation and members of the public repeatedly raised concerns about the Reverend Paul Cuffee gravesite, which the presenters identified as roughly 300 feet from the proposed work area.
"We want it written and documented so that there will be no construction or anything within that site," said Lance Gumbs, vice chairman of the Shinnecock Nation, stressing distrust based on historical experience and asking for formal written assurances and inclusion in correspondence and decisions.
County and design team members said they had no intention of doing work near the gravesite and acknowledged that because the project uses Federal Highway Administration funds, the National Historic Preservation Act's Section 106 process — including coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) — is required. County staff said that Section 106 review had not yet started but will be part of the upcoming design process and that tribal consultation will be included in that work.
The exchange left the matter unresolved in the meeting: tribal representatives asked for written guarantees and a direct, ongoing role in review and notification as the project progresses.
