Title
Ordinance in the Amount of $10,000 to Accept the Award of Federal Historic Preservation Funds
Body
Department: Planning
Council District: 1, 2 & 3
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Sue Schwartz, FAICP 336-373-2149
Contact 2 and Phone: Mike Cowhig, AICP 336-373-2755
PURPOSE:
Consider budget ordinance to accept award of Federal Historic Preservation Funds through the State Historic Preservation Office to update the Greensboro Historic Resources Survey.
BACKGROUND:
The State Historic Preservation Office has awarded the City of Greensboro $10,000 in Federal Historic Preservation Funds to update the Greensboro Historic Resources Survey. This survey will inventory buildings in Greensboro that may be eligible for historic tax credits or other rehabilitation incentives. This work supports the rehabilitation of vacant or underutilized buildings in or near the central business district.
Federal and state historic tax credits have supported millions of dollars of reinvestment in projects like the Southeastern Building and Revolution Mills. Reusing historic buildings benefits the community through increased property tax revenue, small business development and job creation without costly extensions of infrastructure and public services. Maintaining an up-to-date survey of qualifying historic buildings is essential to encourage continued investment.
The Downtown Greensboro National Register District will be the primary focus of this survey, with the goal of expanding the boundaries and identifying additional buildings that would be eligible for historic tax credits. The survey area will include the central business district and surrounding areas. Eligible buildings will be recommended for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places Study List. When complete, the results of the survey will be made available to property owners, developers and the public through an interactive database and mapping tool on the City website.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The grant award of $10,000 requires a local match of $10,000. Matching funds are available from the Historic Preservation account, 101-2203-01-5413.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends acceptance of the grant funds and approval of the budget ordinance.