Preservationists often refer to the range of programs, laws, and financial incentives that are invoked to help protect and enhance historic places as a “toolbox.” Among the tools in the toolbox may be planning and zoning regulations, grants, tax credits, state or Federal laws, to name just a few. The tools with the most “teeth” however, are often historic preservation ordinances enacted by a municipal government. The effectiveness of local ordinances when attempting to save a building from demolition or guide sensitive changes and alterations comes from the fact that generally speaking, only local governments have the ability to regulate property – both public and private. These tools are often misunderstood, though, and so I’ve compiled a short list of some common misconceptions about ordinances to shed some light on some nuances of how these programs work in Pennsylvania. Continue reading
Category: Historic Preservation (Page 46 of 49)
Every year the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia presents the Preservation Achievement Awards to individuals, organizations, businesses and projects from throughout the region that exemplify outstanding achievement in the field of historic preservation. The Awards include Grand Jury Awards to specific projects and Special Recognition Awards to individuals and organizations whose extraordinary accomplishments in preservation contribute to the region’s unique character and sense of place. Continue reading
When I got the call offering me the position of Director of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office I didn’t hesitate to say YES! Returning to a SHPO had always been my long-term plan, having started my preservation career with seven years at the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office, before moving to work on the Federal agency side of Section 106. Continue reading
Last month we discussed Section 106 consultation and how the outcome of the process is not predetermined but rather a result of the interaction among the participants, with the Federal agency making the final decision about how a project will proceed. Agencies in coordination with consulting parties are required to consider project design options that avoid or minimize effects to historic properties. However, it is not always possible to meet the needs of the project and simultaneously preserve a historic property. Continue reading
How to cure the wintertime preservation blues?
As the days get shorter, the nights get longer and the threat of snowfall sends weather forecasters, school district superintendents and milk delivery truck drivers into a maddening frenzy, many people start complaining about the winter blues. You know that time of year – when one is frigid and dim due to the lack of heat and light – and the full effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are on display – you find yourself sleeping more, eating more and avoiding social contact! Continue reading
Mark your Calendars – Keystone Grant Applications are due March 3, 2014! It is amazing that the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2013. That’s 20 years of enhancing natural, recreational, educational, and historic resources for residents throughout every region in Pennsylvania.
On December 2, 2013 Serena Bellew joined the PHMC staff as director of the agency’s Bureau for Historic Preservation and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. The Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Office coordinates state and federal historic preservation programs including the National Register of Historic Places, state and federal tax credits, and environmental review of state and federal projects for their impact on historic resources. Other duties and responsibilities include planning, developing and implementing the state’s Historic Preservation Plan and administering PHMC’s grant programs and the popular state historical marker program.
Continue reading
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 recognizes that historic preservation is a public interest. Under Section 106 of the NHPA, Federal agencies are required to consider the effects of their projects on historic properties in consultation with historic preservation stakeholders. There is a general lack of understanding related to the consultation process, and how it is carried out varies widely by Federal agency and by project. This blog hopes to provide answers to more common questions about consultation and references for additional information.
GISday is an international observance that is designed to make people aware of the possible uses of geographic information systems. Various events are held around the world to highlight GIS projects. Continue reading
Farm-City Week was a national initiative begun in the 1950s to recognize the interdependence between rural and urban people, emphasizing the linked economies of agriculture and the industries that produced the machinery and products used by farmers to grow food and get it onto urban tables. Today many counties across Pennsylvania still host events observing Farm-City Week to bring attention to the mutual concerns of agricultural and urban communities. Continue reading
Recent Comments