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Gregory Tract Historic District

Gregory tract historic district

Several streets in your area (see the yellow area on the map below) are eligible to become a National Register Historic District, which would make homeowners eligible for the NYS Historic Homeowners Tax Credit program! The Landmark Society is working with Highland Park Neighborhood Association,  SEAC, and Bero Architecture, PLLC to spread the word about this program and gather community support.

See below for complete details about this exciting project!

Updates

PUBLIC INFO MEETING

A public information meeting was held on Monday, August 16th. NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) staff explained the National Register program and what it means for you and presented basic information on the NYS Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit program.

View the video here:

Tax Credit Webinar

A webinar was held on Thursday, June 10th. Landmark staff explained the National Register and NYS Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit program.

View the webinar here:

Preserve NY grant received!

South East Area Coalition is one of this year’s Preserve New York (PNY) grantees. Their grant of $10,000 will fund a portion of the Gregory Tract Historic District.

The Preserve New York grant program is a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of NYS, made possible with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Area eligible for National Register listing

Gregory Tract area in yellow.

The potential Gregory Tract Historic District is officially eligible for listing in the National Register and the first phase of the nomination has been completed.

Who is involved?

The Landmark Society will perform the work of the preservation consultant, completing the extensive research, writing, and communication with SHPO necessary for a National Register nomination. Landmark Society staff will also assist the neighborhoods with fundraising efforts, holding public meetings, and spreading the word.

Highland Park Neighborhood Association will lead the charge on fundraising and spreading the word.

As a 501(c)(3), the Southeast Area Coalition (SEAC) will act as the fiduciary agent for the neighbors, accepting private donations and submitting grant applications.

Bero Architecture, PLLC is acting as the project consultant and will perform the extensive research and writing that are required for a National Register nomination.

The NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers the National Register of Historic Places program and the Historic Tax Credit programs. Their staff will work with Landmark Society to review the district nominations. Once the districts are complete, homeowners will also submit  their  tax credit applications to SHPO.

The Process & Next Steps

  1. The Gregory Tract Historic District has been in the works for several years and half of the paperwork has been completed. This portion of the work was funded with a grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation.
  2. Apply for Preserve NY grant – GRANT RECEIVED!
  3. Landmark Society will assist the neighborhood with additional fundraising efforts. Funds can be raised through grants, private donations, merchandise sales, events, and more.
  4. Once the fundraising and nomination paperwork are complete, the nomination is submitted to the National Register staff at the NY SHPO for review.
  5. Landmark Society makes changes requested by SHPO.
  6. SHPO schedules the nomination for review and approval at a quarterly State Review Board hearing.
  7. Once approved by the State Review Board, the nomination is forward to the National Park Service for final approval.

Often, NY SHPO will allow homeowners to use the Historic Homeowners Tax Credit program prior to the final completion of the nomination. In this case, homeowners submit a tax credit application, receive condition approval from SHPO staff, do the approved work, and then can claim the credits on their NYS income tax once the nomination has been approved at the State level.

FAQs

Does listing our neighborhood in a National Register Historic District restrict what I can do to my home?

NO.

What’s the difference between a National Register Historic District and a City Preservation District?

A City Preservation District is a part of the City of Rochester’s Zoning Code. Alterations to the exterior of properties within a Preservation District require a Certificate of Appropriateness. Demolition is prohibited. National Register districts offer no protections or restrictions when private money is being used.

Who qualifies for the NYS Historic Homeowners Tax Credit program?

Owner occupied homes located in a qualifying census tract (all of the City of Rochester is in a qualifying tract) and a National Register historic district.

What type of work qualifies for tax credits?

Kitchens & bath remodels, porch repairs, paint, HVAC, window repairs, floor refinishing, etc. Landscaping and garages/carriage houses, and appliances do not qualify.

How do I apply for tax credits?

Before beginning any work, complete an application detailing your proposed work. Submit to the State Historic Preservation Office.

Still have QUESTIONS? Contact Caitlin Meives.

>>Click here to learn more about the NYS Historic Homeowners Tax Credit program

If you have specific questions about the tax credit program, you can contact Christina Vagvolgyi with the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at: 518-268-2217 or Christina.Vagvolgyi@parks.ny.gov.

>>Click here to learn more about the National Register of Historic Places