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Fall 2003 |
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What Does Historic Preservation Really Mean for You? |
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by Doug Mackenzie There is a widely accepted misunderstanding of what it means to have your building or Downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In this article I will give you facts that come directly from the State Historic Preservation Office as well as a means for you to do your own research into the subject. |
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I hope this information will help you to see the benefits of being listed on the National Register and that there is no danger of the Government dictating what you can or can not do with your property. North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office |
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What is the National Register of Historic Places? The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts worthy of preservation for their significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture. What the National Register Means for the Private Property Owner The listing of a property in the National Register places no obligation or restriction on a private owner using private resources to maintain or alter their property. Over the years, various federal incentives have been introduced to assist private preservation initiatives. A private owner of a National Register property becomes obligated to follow federal preservation standards only if federal funding or licensing is used in work on the property, or if the owner seeks and receives a special benefit that derives from National Register designation, such as a grant or a tax credit. Consideration and Protection in Public Planning All properties and districts listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register are considered in the planning of federal undertakings such as highway construction and Community Development Block Grant projects. “Federal undertakings” also include activities sponsored by state or local governments or private entities if they are licensed or partially funded by the federal government. National Register listing does not provide absolute protection from federal actions that may affect the property. It means that if a federal undertaking is in conflict with the preservation of a National Register property, the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office will negotiate with the responsible federal agency in an effort to eliminate or minimize the effect on the historic property. Similarly, North Carolina law (G.S. 121-12a) provides for consideration of National Register properties in undertakings funded or licensed by the state. Where a state undertaking is in conflict with the preservation of a National Register property, the North Carolina Historical Commission is given the opportunity to review the case and make recommendations to the state agency responsible for the undertaking. The commission’s recommendations to the state agency are advisory. Tax Benefits I am not going to discuss tax benefits in this article but here are two web sites that describe Federal and State incentives for any property listed on the National Register. Summary Being listed with the National Register of Historic Places does not obligate you to follow federal preservation standards unless you are receiving funding from a source that requires it. • If your property is on the Register, it is much more difficult for the State or Federal Government to affect your property in a negative way. • If your property is on the Register, the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office will fight on your behalf to make sure that a Governmental agency does not effect your property in a negative way. • If your property is within a Historic District, it is easier for that area to qualify for nicer amenities from the Government. These could include; brick crosswalks, period street lighting, signage, etc... Marshall has already seen benefits from being eligible to become a Historic District. The Department of Transportation is replacing the bridge crossing the French Broad River in Downtown Marshall. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2004. They had planned to use a bridge like the one on River Road in Asheville crossing the French Broad to the Stock Yard. The fact that Marshall could be a Historic District caused the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office to get involved. This resulted in the D.O.T. designing a bridge more like the McDowell St. bridge in Asheville leading to the Biltmore Estate entrance. Marshall’s new bridge will also include period street lights. These lights will be purchased with grant money made available largely due to Marshall’s eligibility to become a Historic District. Imagine the possibilities if Downtown Marshall actually was a Historic District. |
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Madison County Chamber of Commerce - PO Box 1085, Mars Hill, NC 28754 - (828) 680-9031 |
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