RELEASE: Elmwood Historic District East Added To State And National Registers Of Historic Places

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Today, Senator Marc Panepinto, Assemblyman Sean Ryan, Common Council Majority Leader David Rivera and Common Council Member Joel Feroleto announced the addition of the Elmwood Historic District East to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The announcement comes after a unanimous vote by the State Board for Historic Preservation and the collaborative efforts of state, local and community leaders.

Now eligible for the State Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program, more than 1,000 homeowners stand to benefit from the designation. The announcement also includes the addition of 60 historic homes to the tax credit-eligible list. Together with the already-designated Elmwood Historic District West, the newly announced designation creates the largest historic district in the City of Buffalo and one of the largest in the nation.

“This could not be a bigger win for the residents of the Elmwood Historic District East,” said Senator Marc Panepinto. “This invaluable designation not only increases property values but will preserve the historic character of this exceptional neighborhood for generations. My sincerest gratitude to Clinton Brown Company Architecture and the Landmark Society for their leadership in preparing the application for nomination. I am proud to have played a role in this community-driven effort and encourage those who have not done so, to take advantage of these cost-saving measures as soon as possible.”

Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, “The Elmwood Historic District East is a win-win for Buffalo and the Elmwood Village, preserving the character of this unique and historic place, and helping to boost property values with upgrades and additions. This designation means that Elmwood Village homeowners will be able to receive tax credits if they choose to enhance the historic character of their homes. I thank Clinton Brown Company Architecture and the Landmark Society for their hard work in putting the nomination forward, and researching and documenting the history of the district."

Part of a community-driven effort, elected officials worked closely with Governor Cuomo’s administration to secure benefits for eligible homeowners. It also marks the culmination long-term efforts with Clinton Brown Company Architecture, PC and an Elmwood East Community Council to secure national recognition of their neighborhood and to access state tax credits of 20% of the costs of pre-approved home improvements that help preserve their home’s historic character and the rich history of the Elmwood Village neighborhood.

“I want to thank the State Board of Historic Preservation for their approval of this important historic district,” said Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader David Rivera. “The unanimous vote speaks to the strength of application prepared by Clinton Brown Company Architecture and the Landmark Society. Their hard work has resulted in some of the largest historic preservation districts in the State being located in Buffalo. I also commend my elected colleagues for their support of this initiative, including former Delaware District Council Member Michael LoCurto and his staff, who early on took the lead in guiding this effort. I highly recommend property owners in eligible areas seek out this valuable tax credit.”

Delaware District Common Council Member Joel Feroleto said, “It comes as no surprise to me that the State Board for Historic Preservation unanimously accepted this nomination after witnessing firsthand all of the hard work both the Clinton Brown Company Architecture and the Landmark Society of WNY put into this project.  I am so happy to say both East and West of Elmwood Avenue have historic designation. Congratulations to all involved on this well-deserved win for Elmwood Village, and the City of Buffalo.”

Today, Governor Cuomo announced 28 properties were added to the State and National Register of Historic Places. A full list can be found:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-recipients-2015-historic-preservation-awards

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