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New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015–2020

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Commissioner Rose Harvey New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 2 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

Hello New Yorkers! If that streetscape, that park or that farm is overview of New York’s historic and cultural destroyed, we forever sever our connection resources and includes a range of projects Our relationships with family, friends to a part of the community that may have and properties that not only relate to the and colleagues are shaped by our had a special meaning to us, diminishing goals and objectives, but will also, we hope, environment—our homes, our places of our sense of place and the opportunity for inspire local residents to forge a personal work and those places where we learn that part of the community to enrich the connection with their communities. and relax play incredibly important roles lives of future generations. in our daily lives. Every community is a The preparation of this plan coincides with combination of its parts—a streetscape, Historic preservation is a collaborative effort a significant milestone in the history of the a park, a farm—and our perception of the that requires a balanced view—one that historic preservation movement in America. totality of them creates our sense of place. allows for inevitable changes within our built 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the environment without significant loss of our National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, historic and cultural places. It also requires which established preservation policy for a commitment to preserving our heritage the country as well as creating the network for the greater public good. Over the past of State Historic Preservation Offices to several years, historic preservation has carry out the provisions of the act on behalf come a long way in the state. Thanks to the of the National Park Service. New York has leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo and long been a historic preservation leader a variety of his initiatives, such as expanded and the 50th anniversary provides a great state preservation tax credits, Path Through opportunity to celebrate its history and History tourism promotion and the New York culture as well as its preservation successes. Works capital program, the preservation and revitalization of our historic and I invite you to review this plan and become cultural resources is increasingly playing involved in preserving and revitalizing a central role in improving the quality of historic and cultural places in your our communities as well as contributing to community. Thank you! economic growth and job creation.

This plan has been developed with these Constructed to guide ships traveling through a narrow stretch of the St. Lawrence River, the Rock Island Lighthouse was built in benefits in mind. Its goals and objectives 1847, replaced in the 1880s and later relocated to the water’s offer strategies for strengthening Rose Harvey edge. The station closed in the 1950s after more than a century of preservation efforts across the state, it State Historic Preservation Officer service. In the 1970s, the property was transferred to the Thousand promotes the expansion of preservation Commissioner, New York State Office of Islands State Parks Region and for many years was looked after activities at the local level among municipal by local volunteers. With federal transportation grant funding, the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation park region rehabilitated the complex, returning the landmark to its officials and private enterprise, and it former glory and making it accessible to the public as Rock Island strives to instill “pride of place” among all Lighthouse State Park. New Yorkers. The plan also provides an 3

Table of Contents

I. Introduction...... 4 II. A Look Back and Forward...... 6 III. New York’s Historic and Cultural Resources...... 12 IV. The Planning Process...... 16 V. 2015-2020 Goals, Objectives and Strategies...... 18 VI. Working Together...... 22 VII. Bibliography...... 23 VIII. Preservation Contacts...... 24 IX. New York State Historic Preservation Office Overview...... 26

Front Cover: Great Western Staircase, New York State Capitol. Back Cover: Ceiling mural detail, Governor’s Reception Room, New York State Capitol. Courtesy State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol, New York State Office of General Services.

This plan has been financed with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and Located next to Mills-Norrie State Park in Staatsburg, the former administered by the New York State Historic Preservation Office. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily Staatsburg Union Free School has been converted into the energy- reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior. efficient headquarters for the Taconic region of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. It was the first Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility operated by a public building in New York State to win LEED Platinum status for a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U.S. Department of the Interior, major renovation project. The building features a geothermal heat National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240. pump system, electricity-generating solar panels, energy-efficient windows, innovative insulation and efficient lighting. 4 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

This advancement is especially noteworthy for the entire state. Through this planning I. Introduction because it has been accomplished despite process, New York engages the public in significant challenges, including: economic assessing the state’s preservation progress, decline and population shifts; technological needs and opportunities. It also offers a New York’s historic preservation movement advances that often disengage New vehicle for furthering the integration of its has made substantial progress and the Yorkers, especially young New Yorkers, historic and cultural resources into local 50th anniversary of the National Historic from the state’s history and culture; and the planning and community development, Preservation Act offers the perfect opportunity deterioration and/or loss of our historic built while instilling civic pride in New York’s past. to recognize its development and growth. environment due to lack of funding and the The plan guides preservation efforts at the This special anniversary plan publication not unpredictable forces of nature. local, regional and state levels. It serves as only helps to commemorate the preservation The Division for Historic Preservation (DHP), a blueprint for identifying and preserving movement in New York, but also highlights which includes the State Historic Preservation New York’s historic and cultural resources the increasingly important role that it plays Office (SHPO), prepares a statewide preservation and can be periodically updated to address in revitalizing communities across the state. plan every five years that provides direction current needs, issues and opportunities. The

The property at 857 Manhattan Avenue in Brooklyn was built in 1887 as offices and community meeting space. Through the years, the local landmark lost its tower and distinctive decoration. During its rehabilitation, the building’s exterior was returned to its original appearance and its interior was updated for commercial use. The project combined private and public funds, including preservation tax credits. The landmark’s restoration promises to expand revitalization efforts in the surrounding area.

From the protection of places important in our history to the creation of 1850 Preservation groundbreaking legislation, this timeline provides a snapshot of New York’s Through preservation progress through the years. In partnership with communities across New York State acquired Washington’s Headquarters in the state, New York will continue its significant progress in safeguarding and Newburgh—the nation’s first publicly owned historic site. The Years revitalizing its extraordinary heritage throughout the next 50 years. 5

The Babcock Shattuck House in Syracuse was built in the 1890s and later became the post of Jewish War Veterans; it remained the post until 1989. The City of Syracuse auctioned the abandoned house in 1996 and a developer proposed to demolish it for new construction. The demolition was denied and the University Neighborhood Preservation Association, a nonprofit community redevelopment organization, bought the house to protect it. A state preservation grant and preservation tax credits helped the association to rehabilitate the house for residential use, transforming an eyesore into a neighborhood asset. plan details resources that have the potential to support preservation and community development efforts. It highlights successful preservation activities accomplished over the past five years that demonstrate best Promote preservation at the local and practices and educate the public about the regional level by: benefits of preservation. » Integrating preservation into local and This plan aims to further preservation activities regional decision making by engaging existing colleagues as well as new » Building support for preservation among audiences and outlines a broad set of goals and local officials and developers objectives combined with specific strategies that can be tailored to a wide range of people, Cultivate pride of place by: places and circumstances; these include: » Expanding and diversifying participation in preservation Expand preservation efforts across the state by: » Engaging New Yorkers in historic sites and museums » Strengthening the practice of preservation » Capitalizing on heritage tourism opportunities » Enhancing collaboration to advance preservation For more information about these goals and » Training New Yorkers in preservation objectives as well as strategies, see Section V. trades, skills and crafts » Showcasing preservation contributions

1963 1964

Pennsylvania Railroad Station in New York City was demolished The Friends of Hyde Hall was established to rescue the to make way for Madison Square Garden—a loss so devastating Clarke’s nineteenth century mansion overlooking Otsego that it launched the modern historic preservation movement. Lake and became New York’s first state historic site nonprofit friends group. 6 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

life, sustainability and energy efficiency. with social history and diverse cultural groups, II. A Look Back and Forward Throughout this plan, we will be celebrating mid-twentieth-century resources, and various the progress made over the past five types of structures, including recreational decades and building upon the knowledge facilities, roadside architecture and resources The 50th anniversary of the National gained through these years to inform our representing the space age. Historic Preservation Act provides a great next steps. As the definition of what is considered opportunity to reflect on the preservation Over the past fifty years the preservation world historic has expanded, so has the general movement’s progress since its formal has changed dramatically. This transformation acceptance of historic preservation as an inception in 1966. The field has emerged is exemplified by the expansion in the types of economically, culturally and environmentally from a perceived elitist hobby to a generally resources that are recognized as significant for beneficial discipline intrinsic to good accepted, if not always respected, planning listing on the State and National Registers community planning. Although respect for tool. If the preservation movement is not of Historic Places. We have moved from protection of the built environment is by fully “mainstreamed” in and of itself, it a focus on listing aesthetically-important no means as universal as for that of the is at least recognized by many as a tool landmarks and those representing seminal natural environment, the combined carrot that promotes mainstream values such events in the history of our state and nation (tax credits/grants/heritage tourism) and as economic vitality, quality of community to historic districts and cultural landscapes, stick (environmental review) approach over vernacular architecture, the years has led to a welcome acceptance properties associated of the preservation movement by many decision makers.

The Space Shuttle Enterprise is However, each passing decade has brought listed on the State and National fresh challenges. The onslaughts of urban Registers for its importance in renewal and massive highway expansion the development of the U.S. Space Shuttle Program. Built for NASA that galvanized the preservation movement in the mid-1970s, the shuttle was and were catalysts for the National Historic the only full-scale prototype of the Preservation Act are long past. More recently, orbiter fleet and helped to prove the cell towers dotting the landscape were shuttle’s flight worthiness; it was followed by large-scale wind farms. The later used during the investigations demographic shift out of cities and into the and modifications following the Challenger and Columbia accidents. suburbs seems to be reversing somewhat, The Enterprise is now on display but cultural and lifestyle changes are resulting at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space in the abandonment of older resources, Museum in New York City.

1965 1966

Following the loss of Penn Station, New York City adopted a pioneering The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 The New York State Historic Trust, which was placed preservation law, creating the New York City Landmarks Commission. In was enacted, establishing preservation policy for under the Division of Parks in the State Conservation 1978 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law in Penn Central Transportation the nation and creating a network of State Historic Department, was created to oversee the state historic Co., et al. v. New York City, et al., stopping the company from altering Grand Preservation Offices to carry out the provisions of sites, establish New York’s State Historic Preservation Central Terminal. the act on behalf of the National Park Service. Office and develop statewide preservation programs. 7

compared to the threats of climate change, more than $2.5 billion dollars in private especially severe in New York State, where investment. The matching state commercial virtually all historic communities are in close credit greatly increased the use of the proximity to the increasingly real threat of federal credit, especially upstate. The flooding. Throughout the course of these residential component of the state program changes and even as preservation becomes has resulted in tens of millions of dollars more institutionalized with community leaders, spent to rehabilitate thousands of homes. planners, developers and the tourism industry, we must remain flexible. By embracing new » The State and National Registers of approaches and expanding the conversation, Historic Places program is particularly we can better engage young people and strong. There are over 6,000 listings under-represented communities to retain a including more than 120,000 properties complete picture of New York’s heritage. in New York and the rate of nominations remains constant at approximately 100 Set against this larger background of fifty listings per year—in large part, this is years of change, the past five years have in response to a high demand from The former Holy Rosary Church complex in Rochester has been rejuvenated as an affordable housing complex. The rehabilitation been marked by significant progress and developers and residents interested in project utilized public and private funding as well as preservation response to a variety of factors: preservation tax credits. Commercial tax credits. The rectory, convent and school now house apartments preservation tax credits has been a and the former church sanctuary serves as a community center. The » The economic downturn prompted the standard reason for owner interest in revitalized complex demonstrates that vacant religious properties state legislature and Governor Cuomo to registers listing, but the homeowner tax can be reinvigorated for contemporary use. expand and extend the New York State credit has been the impetus for adding Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program. thousands of residential buildings to the particularly religious properties, that were The efforts of the Preservation League of registers. New York also continues to forge once central to community life. Development New York State were crucial in promoting new paths with innovative nominations, pressures and suburban sprawl upstate program improvements, including an such as: the Cherry Grove Community have resulted in the loss of rural landscapes extension to 2019, an increased cap on House and Theater on Fire Island, an and agricultural resources. Loss of industrial project expenditures, 800 newly qualified important site in gay and lesbian history; buildings is common everywhere, and the census tracts and a refundable credit for the New York State Barge Canal Historic lengthy recession encouraged municipal commercial projects beginning in 2015. District, a nationally significant work leaders to accept any and all development, New York’s recent use of the federal credits of twentieth century engineering and regardless of impacts. These changes in has broken national records. Between 2012 construction; and the first two non-Native human patterns and development are small and 2014 New York’s projects represented American Traditional Cultural Properties in

1969 1970

On July 7, the Montauk Point Lighthouse became the Federally-funded historic preservation grants-in-aid program was launched for survey The State Conservation Department became the State first property in New York to be listed on the National and planning activities as well as acquisition and preservation projects, awarding Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Register of Historic Places. more than $1 million each year. While the federal Historic Preservation Fund Division of Parks, including the New York State Historic continues to support the State Historic Preservation Office, the grant program was Trust, was transferred to the Executive Department and discontinued in the early 1980s. named the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation. 8 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

grant program, the SHPO is overseeing a is being made in this area through a survey of properties associated with Lesbian, collaboration between the SHPO and the Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. heritage in New York City’s five boroughs. This partnership is establishing a historic The LGBT community is among the least preservation trades and technology program represented in national, state and local to train craftspeople in the greater Capital historic designation programs. Only three of District. The initial courses are scheduled for the 87,000 National Register nominations 2016 and the program will be a pilot for other in the country have been listed for their community colleges. association with LGBT history, and two of those are in New York. The SHPO is also » A new statewide perspective under assisting the nonprofit City Lore organization Governor Cuomo emphasizes local through its Place Matters program in and regional decision-making through developing a survey proposal for New the creation of Regional Economic York City’s casitas—Puerto Rican cultural Development Councils that review and In 1999, Stonewall in New York City became the first site in the centers, a distinctive and once-ubiquitous approve state grant proposals. This plan’s country to be listed on the National Register for its association with property type. The survey will include a goals to strengthen regional and local the gay and lesbian civil rights movement. In 2013, Cherry Grove historic context statement on the Puerto preservation efforts promise to further the Community House and Theater on Fire Island was the third gay Rican immigrant experience in New York councils’ mission. The Governor’s Path and lesbian site in the country to be listed for its role in shaping Through History tourism initiative links what evolved into a community known as “America’s First Gay and City and the casitas property type. Lesbian Town.” The landmark was established in the mid-twentieth sites and regions with easily recognizable century by the Cherry Grove Property Owners Association, which » The need for traditional preservation signage and through an interactive website influenced the community’s development and facilitated what can crafts training was identified during the that allows people to plan trips to New be described as the first “gay theater” produced by gay people for planning process and in the previous plan. York’s historic and cultural attractions. gay and straight audiences in the United States. As sustainable building practices and Prominently featured are New York’s state preservation gain momentum, the number parks and state historic sites, which are the country—the Grotto of Our Lady of Mt. of older properties needing rehabilitation receiving a much needed infusion of capital, Carmel in Staten Island and the Bohemian increases. The SHPO and local preservation expected to total $900 million by 2020. Hall and Beer Garden in Queens. organizations are frequently contacted with requests for qualified construction workers, » New York’s Certified Local Government » To preserve New York’s diverse cultural and the number of skilled craftspeople able (CLG) program has rapidly expanded resources and with support from the National to work on historic buildings has not kept and the SHPO is examining ways to Park Service’s underrepresented properties pace with the need. Significant progress enhance community assistance, including

1971 1972 1974

The Preservation League of New York State The New York State Historic The New York State Board for Historic Preservation The Bureau of Historic Sites was established was established, becoming New York’s Trust became the Division was created to advise the State Historic within the Division for Historic Preservation statewide nonprofit preservation advocacy for Historic Preservation. Preservation Office on statewide preservation to provide assistance to state historic organization and offering programs to efforts and review properties being nominated for sites, including conservation, collections advance preservation efforts. listing on the National Register of Historic Places. management, archaeology and interpretation. 9

communities and makes certain processes Recovery from Hurricane Sandy is being aided by federal assistance easier to understand among municipal from the Historic Preservation Fund under the Hurricane Sandy officials and local residents. Additionally, Relief Assistance for Historic Properties program. Eligible activities over the past five years more than $600,000 include preservation, planning and technical assistance as well as developing strategies to make vulnerable communities and historic in CLG grants have been awarded to resources more resistant to the impacts of climate change and communities for historic resources surveys, natural disasters. Grants awarded under this program, which is National Register nominations, design being administered by the SHPO, included $175,000 for repairs guidelines, local preservation commission to the Saugerties Lighthouse, including the stabilization of the training, publications, local preservation property’s stone sea wall, supply dock and concrete pier. plans and public education projects.

» The launch of the Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) offers a significant step forward in the division’s ability to maintain and share information. The new Geographic Information System (GIS)-based In an effort to promote the redevelopment of former manufacturing system allows the public more access to the facilities in the Southern Tier, in 2011 the Broome County Department of Planning and Economic Development undertook a comprehensive SHPO’s records, remote entry of inventory historic resources survey of underused industrial properties in the data and paperless environmental review. county that may be eligible for listing on the State and National The system was funded in large part Registers and, as a result, eligible for preservation tax credits. with federal transportation enhancement dollars and has been years in the making, strengthening staff support, improving both in development of the system and in CLG performance, and producing an the transfer of a large amount of existing informational guide and newsletters. With data. Information will constantly be added, CLG grant funding, the SHPO has worked updated and mapped in the system, with communities to progress State and providing a valuable tool for local, regional National Register historic district nominations and statewide planning activities. to make local property owners eligible » Compliance with both state and federal for preservation tax credits. Perhaps the preservation laws was a primary focus over biggest news in 2014 was the creation the past five years due first to the American of a new model local preservation law, Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) which addresses concerns identified by

1975 1976

The Bureau of Historic Sites moved to the former Cluett, The Tax Reform Act of 1976 created provisions to encourage the rehabilitation of Peabody and Company textile factory on Peebles Island in income-producing properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Waterford. The rehabilitated factory is now home to the permitting taxpayers to amortize rehabilitation expenditures over a period of sixty Division for Historic Preservation. months instead of over the life of the improvements. The Sibley House in Rochester was the first certified tax credit project in the country. 10 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

and then a series of natural disasters, including community, the SHPO has been working Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and on environmental review consultation Hurricane Sandy. The SHPO created an online guidelines for Indian Nations. When adopted, application system to expedite ARRA projects, the guidelines will set forth a protocol for but streamlining reviews for natural disasters incorporating the knowledge and concerns became even more critical. The SHPO worked of Indian Nations into the SHPO’s review with the Federal Emergency Management processes as well as the State Environmental Agency and the New York State Emergency Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Management Office to establish procedures to make exempt emergency response from » As an outgrowth of the previous plan, review and to expedite recovery reviews the Division for Historic Preservation, which while protecting valuable resources. includes both the programs administered by the SHPO and support services to the » The SHPO continues to refine its methods state historic sites owned and operated by of determining archeologically sensitive OPRHP, was reorganized to form an inter- areas in order to streamline reviews while connected three-bureau organization that protecting archeological sites. For example, can draw on the talents and expertise of all the SHPO is working with the New York State staff. This has paved the way for a broader Department of Transportation and the Federal strategy to engage New Yorkers in historic Highway Administration to develop a more preservation at historic sites and museums. efficient review process for above and below Completed in 2012, the New York State Historic ground resources. The SHPO plans to create Site Assessment outlines a path to strengthen a predictive model to better identify and protect the state historic site system by viewing sensitive archeological areas in association with it as a whole, while better integrating environmental review. The model would be individual sites into their respective integrated into CRIS, providing archeological communities and promoting education information to communities, governments, and preservation initiatives. property owners and project sponsors for The Lower Niagara River Spear Fishing Docks Historic District, The new organizational structure also helped which is listed on the State and National Registers, is significant for planning and development activities. its association with Iroquoian spear fishing along the east shore of to progress other plan goals, including: the Niagara River from the early nineteenth to the mid-twentieth » Collaboration with New York’s Native centuries. The district, which is the site of an important traditional American tribes continues to grow. In » More identification of historic resources Iroquoian cultural activity, includes the remains of the stone docks cooperation with New York’s Native American on the local level by creating a specific as well as remnants of footpaths and camping areas.

1976 1978 1979

The United States Bicentennial paid tribute to the historical The Revenue Act of 1978 expanded incentives The New York State Commission on events leading up to the creation of the United States of for historic rehabilitation projects, including a the Restoration of the Capitol was America as an independent republic. The Bicentennial 10% investment tax credit for rehabilitation established to oversee the landmark’s inspired preservation activities in communities across the expenditures on commercial buildings that had comprehensive restoration. country during and after the celebrations. been in use for at least twenty years. 11

SHPO unit devoted to survey. This new new, may best reflect a new twist on an our population and youth, who will carry this emphasis resulted in revisions to the survey old challenge going forward from the 50th vision forward. To help to reenergize these standards, a survey of mid-twentieth- anniversary. The preservation movement connections, the SHPO is producing a series century modern schools in New York City, started out because people felt a strong of short videos that highlight personal stories a context statement for public libraries emotional connection to historic properties, about historic places across the state. Each in New York State from 1945-1975, and a but the field’s increasing emphasis on video will capture different perspectives and “Preservation Ready” survey in Buffalo, economic and environmental benefits to personal memories of a particular historic specifically targeted to the development promote preservation to decision-makers property, neighborhood or community. The community by making it easier to identify may have ironically led us to de-emphasize a series will be unveiled in 2016 as part of 50th preservation tax credit-eligible properties. crucial part of the mission. To save the places anniversary celebrations. that matter, there » Increased education through a new is a strong need to outreach unit and partnerships that resulted make real contact in various activities, such as: “Preservation with the people for Works” portfolios, highlighting successful whom they matter. projects that demonstrate the positive We need to again economic benefits and job creation resulting tell the stories and from preservation efforts; updated program connect people to handouts on the SHPO website; an Upper their heritage in real Floor Development Feasibility Study and ways, especially the Workshop, developed in coordination with diverse groups that the Preservation League of New York State increasingly make up and municipal officials; a power point-based training curriculum entitled “Preservation 101: Understanding the Basics;” and efforts to One of the videos being produced re-brand the state historic sites through new by the SHPO to celebrate the printed materials and “gateway” exhibits that 50th anniversary of the National highlight the system at our most visited state Historic Preservation Act includes a group of people who have personal parks and state historic sites. stories to tell about Buffalo’s Elmwood Village neighborhood, The plan’s goals focus on expanding which boasts scenic parks and preservation services, supporting local parkways, distinguished residential preservation efforts and cultivating pride architecture and a lively of place. The latter goal, while not entirely commercial strip.

1980 1981

The New York State Historic Preservation Act of 1980 The federal Certified Local Government program was The Economic Recovery Act of 1981 created a three-tier The agency’s name was expanded was created, establishing historic preservation as state established to foster partnerships between State investment credit for rehabilitation expenditures, including to New York State Office of Parks, policy, creating the State Register of Historic Places Historic Preservation Offices and municipalities, 15% for non-residential buildings at least thirty years old, Recreation and Historic Preservation. and expanding historic preservation environmental offering training opportunities, technical assistance 20% for non-residential buildings at least forty years old, review to include undertakings by state agencies. and grants that support local preservation activities. and 25% for certified historic structures. 12 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

history, from its earliest habitation through archeological resources represent 12,000 III. New York’s Historic and all of the state’s subsequent phases of years of human activity. From temporary Cultural Places growth and development, including, but not Native American fishing encampments limited to, archeological sites, landscapes, to twentieth-century Cold War military traditional cultural properties, burial grounds installations, prehistoric and historic and cemeteries, transportation resources, archeological sites can be found around Overview engineering landmarks, commercial and the state. Many of the most prominent residential properties, farmsteads, houses of archeological sites are associated with New York’s rich heritage and culture worship, schools, civic buildings and industrial European exploration and early conflicts. is brilliantly reflected in its buildings, complexes. This remarkably rich and multi- New York also contains thousands landscapes, neighborhoods, sites, artifacts layered built environment recalls New York’s of cultural landscapes, village sites and people. The incredibly diverse mosaic deep and diverse heritage, which includes and industrial complexes that help to of historic and cultural properties helps extraordinarily high numbers and largely intact increase our understanding of the state’s to define New York’s distinctive identity concentrations of historic and cultural places development during the nineteenth and as well as establish its special quality, in hundreds of localities across the state. twentieth centuries. Examination of these character and sense of place. The state’s built environment is the result of centuries While New York’s historic of human occupation and adaptation. While built environment records change is inevitable and each generation will almost 400 years of non- make contributions over time, the mission native development, its of historic preservation is to promote the identification, protection and revitalization of properties and places that ensure a sense The Historic Farmsteads of Pittstown State and National Registers Multiple Property of connection to our past and that have the Documentation Project has helped to potential to enrich our lives. document historic farmsteads in rural Rensselaer County, including agricultural From early prehistoric communities to post- buildings and working landscapes. The project, World War II suburbs, a remarkably large and which was supported by the Preservation varied array of properties associated with League of New York State, the New York State every aspect of New York’s history can be Council on the Arts, the Hudson River Valley Greenway, the Pittstown Historical Society, found in every area of the state. Collectively, the Persistence Foundation and the Rensselaer millions of resources are believed to be County Legislature, has resulted in the listing associated with New York’s full range of of a group of Pittstown farmsteads on the State and National Registers.

1982 1986

The Urban Cultural Park program was created, establishing a state-local partnership The Tax Reform Act of 1986, which helped to shape the current preservation tax incentives, aimed at preserving places that have special significance to New York State, such replaced the three-tier credit with a two-tier credit for rehabilitation expenditures, including as the Burden Iron Works site in Troy. The program was amended in 1994 to include 20% for certified historic structures and 10% for non-certified structures placed in service regional heritage areas and renamed New York State Heritage Areas. There are before 1936. The Prudential Building in downtown Buffalo was an early tax credit project. numerous state heritage areas across New York. 13

sites has led to a greater understanding of The SHPO provided technical assistance technological advances as well as providing when the buried remnants of a historic ship new insights into the lifestyles and working were uncovered during construction at the World Trade Center site in New York City. conditions of previous generations. New Through the environmental review process, York also retains a large number of maritime the ship remains were documented in situ, archeological sites, such as the remains of expeditiously excavated and removed, and early waterfronts, docks and shipwrecks. The stored pending further study and possible identification, recognition and interpretation preservation. of these archeological resources will help to ensure their long-term protection. of municipalities across the state have enacted local Our understanding of New York’s history preservation legislation, and is continually changing as we reevaluate many of these are Certified our knowledge of the past and as the built Local Governments. Many environment is adapted to meet the needs municipalities have not of each generation. As identification efforts enacted local preservation expand, public access to the statewide laws for a variety of reasons. historic and cultural resources inventory will For these communities, we substantially improve through the SHPO’s must redouble our efforts Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS), to raise awareness of the which is quickly becoming a valuable tool in benefits of preservation local, regional and statewide planning efforts. among decision makers. protection from the effects of federal or At the federal and state levels, the New state actions through a notice, review and Preservation Strategies York State and National Registers of consultation process. For decades, according Official recognition is the key to integrating Historic Places are the official lists of buildings, to National Park Service statistics, New York historic and cultural places into federal, structures, districts, landscapes and objects has consistently led the nation in the number state, regional and especially local planning significant in state and national history. of nominations to the National Register, and protection activities. At the local level, Registers listing supports local preservation and its nominations are highly-regarded, municipalities can enact preservation efforts and provides access to incentives, helping to set national standards and address legislation, which typically establishes a such as tax credits and grants. Registered some precedent-setting issues, such as process to designate historic places and properties and properties determined eligible documenting sites associated with Lesbian, review projects affecting them. Hundreds for registers listing receive a measure of Gay, Bisexual and Transgender history and

1987

The New York State Environmental Quality Bond Act (EQBA) of 1986 was established to provide The federal Abandoned Shipwrecks Act was established to protect historic shipwrecks by transferring the funding for environmental, recreation and preservation projects. Under the program, historic title of the wrecks to the state whose waters they lie in. Later, the State Department of Environmental properties owned by municipalities and nonprofit organizations were eligible for funding for Conservation created New York State Submerged Heritage Preserves to safeguard historic shipwrecks acquisition, repair and restoration. and open them to divers. 14 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

The New York State Barge Canal Historic District, which is listed nonprofit organizations that interpret many on the State and National Registers, documents and recognizes the Heritage Areas and Attractions aspects of state history. With the help of extensive system of waterways that were constructed across the New York is a pioneer in the creation the Path Through History program, these state between 1905 and 1918. The Barge Canal was the twentieth of heritage areas for the purposes of century successor to the network of canals that New York State important visitor attractions and educational identifying, preserving and promoting the built during the nineteenth century, including the Erie, Champlain, resources have been systematically identified state’s history and culture. Twenty state Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. and many have been incorporated into heritage areas and four national heritage regional tourism initiatives. areas have been identified across the state, non-native traditional cultural heritage. helping to interpret major themes in state The highest level of recognition is National history, such as Native American culture, State Parks and Historic Sites Historic Landmark (NHL) designation, which colonization, military history, industrialization, New York State has a proud tradition of recognizes properties of exceptional value in transportation, agriculture, recreation, preserving scenic and historic places representing important themes in the history invention, architecture, engineering, social for the public’s benefit, education and of the nation. New York also leads the country reform, African American culture, immigration, enjoyment. Niagara Reservation, New in the number of NHL designations—there are landscape and maritime history. New York York’s first state park, was created in 1885 over 2,500 NHLs nationwide with more than is also home to hundreds of historic sites, to protect it from development. Later, the 260 NHLs in New York. museums and cultural centers operated by

1987 1992

The federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) was authorized and included a Transportation Enhancements Program, which provided The Martin House Restoration Corporation funding for environmental and historic preservation projects along transportation corridors. The act was reauthorized in 1998 as the federal Transportation was established to oversee the restoration Equity Act for the 21st century (TEA 21). In 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Darwin was established, providing increased funding for highways and public transportation as well as transportation enhancements. In 2012, the Moving Ahead Martin house in Buffalo. for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) replaced transportation enhancement activities with the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). 15

establishment of the Palisades Interstate enrich visitors. These properties Park Commission in 1900 to protect are also community anchors the endangered Palisades escarpment that stabilize neighborhoods provided the model for the development and promote investment and of the state park system. The commission’s economic development in their guiding principles—providing recreation, localities. The system as a whole connecting urban patrons with parks and has the capacity to tell the broad linking recreational and transportation story of New York’s history, with planning—became the foundation of the the individual sites adding their state park program. The system grew in voices to the larger narrative. stages throughout the twentieth century and now includes more than 170 parks and While New York has one of the thirty-five historic sites serving 60 million finest state park and historic visitors each year. Many of the state parks site systems in the country, it contain high concentrations of historic has been gradually eroded by properties, including scenic roadways, decades of neglect and decay. recreational facilities and landscapes. Fortunately, Governor Cuomo’s multi-year NY Parks 2020 plan, Washington’s Headquarters State Historic with support from the state Site in Newburgh, where General George legislature, is helping to advance Washington brought the Revolutionary War hundreds of millions of dollars’ to a close, was acquired by New York State worth of repair and improvement in 1850 and was the first publicly owned projects at hundreds of state historic site in the country. Its acquisition parks and historic sites. was the genesis of the state historic site system, which grew incrementally over the years but always with the intent Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park to preserve important places in state offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Opened in 2009, the linear walkway and bikeway, history. From military sites and great which links the city of Poughkeepsie with the estates to engineering landmarks and town of Highland, rescued and revitalized the the homes of prominent people, the sites nineteenth-century Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, are educational and leisure-time assets, which had been abandoned in the 1970s. The providing experiences that enlighten and bridge spans more than one mile and soars 200 feet above the river.

1993 1995

The state Environmental Protection Act was created, making municipalities The Preservation League of New York State published The National Register The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) was established, and nonprofit organizations eligible to apply for grants for the acquisition, of Historic Places in New York State, a book that celebrated and highlighted requiring environmental impact assessments for projects proposed by improvement and preservation of parks, historic properties, and resources in the thousands of properties and places that had been listed on the National state agencies and local governments and all discretionary approvals state heritage areas under the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Register in the state over the past twenty five years. from a state agency or local government. 16 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

Preservation. The plan’s goals and objectives demonstrated a lack of understanding of IV. The Planning Process were developed following analysis and the role preservation plays in communities, discussion of the information. such as “Preservation is blocking progress and running down Buffalo. There is a need for more demolition and building new, The statewide preservation planning process Online Survey focused initially on gathering information from modern structures to erase the industrial colleagues and the public as well as Division With more than 860 responses, the online past. Why spend taxpayer dollars to preserve for Historic Preservation staff who work with survey was an important component of the buildings that were abandoned by footloose communities on a daily basis. The feedback planning process, providing an efficient way to capitalists?” Comments like these, while rare led to the development of goals, objectives reach out to the public. The survey link was among the survey responses, still reflect a and strategies that are intended to address posted on various websites and emailed to fundamental lack of understanding of the local, regional and statewide preservation and colleagues, including preservation organizations, tangible benefits of preservation. community improvement needs while drawing educators and CLGs. While responders represented various fields, most of them upon an array of current and potential Individual Interviews partners in combination with available and believed that preservation strengthens proposed incentives. The process was communities, funding is needed to provide The committee also conducted interviews coordinated by a committee represented by incentive for preservations efforts and historic with more than thirty individuals from various DHP units. The committee began by and cultural resources are tourism assets. various communities and age groups as evaluating progress since the completion of While the SHPO made an effort to reach out to well as organizations and professions. The the previous preservation plan and developed all age groups, the majority of responders were questions were designed to elicit more a public participation strategy. over the age of 50. The findings indicate that detailed information about the state of we are serving our current audience well, but preservation in New York. While it is difficult we have been largely unsuccessful in reaching to summarize the wide-ranging comments, Public Participation new audiences. Chief among these new the specifics tended to mirror the trends Public participation was purposefully designed audiences are young adults, who composed that were identified in the online survey: to build upon the information obtained during less than 5 percent of the responders. » Most responders indicated that the previous planning process, which was Of all responders, just over 5 percent reported preservation has advanced and that there based on extensive public input received that their community is not actively engaged was a greater awareness of its value as during regional meetings, conference in preservation activity, providing further a tool for community revitalization, local workshops and individual interviews. The evidence that the survey sample set was planning and education. strategy for this plan included an online survey, weighed towards people already engaged in individual interviews and the involvement preservation. A smaller number of comments of the New York State Board for Historic

1996

The New York State Farmer’s Protection and The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Farm Preservation Act was created, providing became New York’s first federally-designated a 25% tax credit for the rehabilitation of heritage area; there are now four, including the income-producing farm buildings built or Hudson Valley, Erie Canalway, Champlain Valley placed in service before 1935. and Niagara Falls. 17

» Setbacks included lack of funding and Information System (CRIS) will help to incentives, insufficient quantifiable data to address these issues. promote the benefits of preservation and worsening of urban blight. » Other technology-related responses focused on the increased use of websites » Responses to the question about and social media for better preservation threatened historic resources covered almost training and marketing opportunities. every resource type—from rural landscapes and downtown commercial areas to industrial » While disaster preparedness did not buildings and religious structures. rate high in the online survey, training and guidelines as well as new building » Responses regarding preservation technologies related to disaster preparedness needs covered a wide range, including: were brought forward in the interviews. more funding and incentives accessible to more people; more training, education and marketing; more promotion of preservation New York State Board for successes; archeological context development Historic Preservation and outreach; better enforcement of local The New York State Board for Historic preservation ordinances; and promotion of Preservation played an important role during compatible energy efficiency measures. the planning process. Board members participated in several planning sessions » Community preservation needs included and their comments echoed many of the incorporating preservation into local planning, responses received during the online strengthening local preservation commissions, survey and interviews. There was general funding for preservation on the municipal level, agreement that historic and cultural resources training local municipal officials in preservation must be integrated into local planning and practices and promoting preservation as development. They also reiterated the need Constructed in 1959, the former Central Trust Building in an economic development tool. to raise preservation awareness, improve downtown Rochester incorporates the distinctive features of mid-twentieth-century modern office building design, including communication to and among localities, » Some individuals expressed the need to its streamlined rectangular form, continuous bands of windows improve historic and cultural resources use technology to increase accessibility to and lack of decorative detail. The building’s rehabilitation, which identification activities, and strengthen historic and cultural resource information and combined private and public funds, including preservation tax promotion of New York’s history and culture. credits, converted the vacant building into a contemporary to increase efficiency in various preservation commercial and residential complex that includes office space program areas—the new Cultural Resource on the first floor and apartments above.

1997

The Guide to the Survey of Historic Resources Associated with African Americans New York’s real property law was amended to create the The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic in New York State was developed to help individuals and communities to identify “Ithaca” bill, giving authority to municipalities to offer a Preservation and the state Division of Military historic places associated with African American heritage in New York. The five-year freeze on assessment increases after a historic and Naval Affairs launched the New York State Weeksville Heritage Center interprets Brooklyn’s nineteenth century African property is rehabilitated, followed by a phased increase over Battle Flags preservation project to safeguard the American history. the next five years. state’s large collection of historic military flags. 18 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

National Registers of Historic Places and V. 2015–2020 Goals, Goal 1: Expand Historic Preservation urge municipalities to designate them locally Efforts Across New York State Objectives and Strategies » Keep New York at the forefront of national Objective: Strengthen the Practice preservation programs and policies, such of Historic Preservation as innovative National Register listings and expanded use of the federal historic The goals, objectives and strategies are Strategies: rehabilitation tax incentives intended to guide statewide preservation efforts » Advance the identification of historic and » Refine archeological sensitivity methods over the next five years. They are flexible cultural properties, including threatened, under- in order to allow individuals, organizations represented and archeological resources and communities to tailor the activities to Objective: Enhance Collaboration to their area’s resources and needs. The goals » Promote the use of CRIS and other Advance Historic Preservation emerging technologies to better manage will also focus DHP programs and services Strategies: to address current preservation issues and historic preservation information, enhance » Strengthen existing partnerships and needs through the SHPO’s annual work disaster preparedness and integrate historic engage new partners programs. We encourage New Yorkers and cultural resources into community to adopt, pursue or modify one or more planning activities » Create opportunities to share information of the following goals and apply them to » Make survey data widely available about historic preservation best practices and tools preservation efforts in their local community. » Connect communities to sources of funding to support historic resources surveys » Coordinate/train state agency preservation officers » Motivate individuals and communities to nominate properties to the State and » Improve preservation-related and community improvement websites and create links among them

The Textile Factory Buildings of Troy State and National » Create a coordinated communication Registers Multiple Property Documentation Form has helped to network among historic site and museum document historic textile factories in the city. These large-scale colleagues as well as historic preservation manufacturing facilities form a cohesive collection of buildings professionals that chronicle the development of Troy’s textile industry, which was dominated by cuff and collar manufacturing from 1880 to » Increase historic preservation 1920. This project has resulted in the listing of several factory awareness and collaboration among buildings on the State and National Registers, helping to make agencies and organizations that advance these properties eligible for preservation tax credits. a variety of community improvement

1997 1999

Seneca Falls celebrated the 150th The federal Save America’s Treasures grant program was established anniversary of the first women’s rights to preserve significant historic places and objects, such as the Louis convention. The Elizabeth Cady Stanton Armstrong House in Queens. Although the program is now inactive, House in one of the community’s most existing grants are administered by the National Park Service in prominent landmarks. partnership with various public and private entities. 19

activities across the state, such as the New Objective: Train New Yorkers in Historic within community colleges and other York Conference of Mayors, New York Preservation Trades, Skills and Crafts educational institutions to provide training Association of Towns, New York Planning and workforce development Strategies: Federation and the Association of Public » Develop and disseminate technical » Cultivate the historic preservation and Historians of New York information on best practices and sustainability traditional trades workforce to meet the » Enhance collaboration with Native needs of communities and those involved American nations by formalizing a protocol in the rehabilitation of older buildings Objective: Showcase the Contributions relating to environmental reviews under of Historic Preservation Section 14.09 of the New York State Historic » Develop and establish historic Preservation Act of 1980 preservation and traditional trades programs Strategies: » Highlight preservation successes » Honor those who have made outstanding contributions » Identify and share best local and regional historic preservation planning practices, models and pilots, such as Buffalo successes, etc. » Promote the mutual objectives of historic preservation and sustainability » Celebrate of the 50th anniversary (2016) of the National Historic Preservation Act

The Battery Park City Authority rehabilitated City Pier A, the oldest surviving pier in New York City. The pier was originally constructed in the mid-1880s to house the city’s Department of Docks and the police department’s harbor force. The project included foundation, exterior and interior repairs combined with new floors, an elevator and staircase, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Through a lease agreement and with the help of preservation tax credits, the building has been renovated for use as a restaurant. The pier’s riverfront deck is a public promenade with spectacular views.

2001

Stonewall in New York City became The New York State Barn Restoration and Preservation Program was The State Historic Preservation Office worked with the Federal Emergency the first site in the country to be listed established, offering preservation grant assistance to owners of historic Management Agency and State Emergency Management Office following the on the National Register of Historic farm buildings in need. By the time the program ended in 2007, more September 11 attack on the World Trade Center to assess the condition of Places for its association with the gay than 550 grants were awarded, totaling about $12 million. historic properties in the impact zone and develop treatment strategies. and lesbian civil rights movement. 20 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

Objective: Build Support for Historic Goal 2: Promote Historic Preservation Among Officials and Preservation at Local and Developers Regional Levels Strategies: Objective: Integrate Historic Preservation » Raise awareness of the benefits of into Local and Regional Decision Making historic preservation among decision Strategies: makers » Advocate with lawmakers for increased » Promote CRIS as a local planning tool historic preservation funding and policies » Use legislative and policy tools as well that support preservation activities as education and outreach to protect and » Collaborate with environmental and enhance historic and cultural resources, open space protection organizations particularly local landmark legislation » Increase awareness of historic » Integrate historic preservation into preservation’s economic benefits among local and regional planning, community/ NYS’s Regional Economic Development economic development, business Councils improvement and tourism » Generate data that demonstrates the » Encourage New Yorkers to become benefits of historic preservation involved in state and national preservation advocacy efforts » Enhance the Certified Local Government (CLG) program; such as using CLG funding for planning as well as survey and designation efforts » Increase the availability of training for preservation commissions, design review boards, planning staff, community/economic development staff, building and code The SHPO is assisting the nonprofit City Lore organization through enforcement staff, etc. its Place Matters program in developing a survey proposal for New York City’s casitas—Puerto Rican cultural centers, a distinctive » Engage and assist municipal historians in and once-ubiquitous property type. The survey will include community preservation activities a historic context statement on the Puerto Rican immigrant experience in New York City and the casitas property type.

2001 2002

The Heritage New York program was established to The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor was established at New Windsor Cantonment promote heritage tourism and economic development State Historic Site. The hall, which pays tribute to all those wounded or lost in combat through thematic history trails, including the while serving in the United States military, was created to collect, preserve and share Revolutionary War, Underground Railroad and the personal stories of Purple Heart recipients. women’s history. 21

Goal 3: Cultivate Pride of Place Objective: Broaden and Diversify Participation in Historic Preservation Strategies: » Use workshops, webinars, publications, social media, etc. to increase public awareness and appreciation of historic preservation in its local communities » Share stories of people relating personally to historic places » Foster an appreciation of history and historic preservation among younger audiences local community actions have helped to A cell phone tour at John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake » Increase participation in historic preserve significant historic properties, and Placid traces the life of one of the country’s most controversial preservation among diverse and draw parallels to contemporary issues anti-slavery crusaders, including his childhood, family, business underrepresented populations ventures and raid on Harpers Ferry. In addition to chronicling » Engage school children in programs at the life and times of John Brown, the tour encourages visitors to » Create multilingual publications historic sites explore the 270-acre property, including the family’s nineteenth century farmhouse, scenic grounds and John Brown’s grave. Objective: Engage New Yorkers in Objective: Capitalize on Heritage Historic Preservation at Historic Sites Tourism Opportunities and Develop » Draw on vast knowledge of historic districts and Museums New Tourism Friendly Products to create community-based tours for local audiences and make them available as Strategies: Strategies: audio podcasts » Establish a pilot program at a state- » Promote historic sites and museums as » Work with partners to promote stronger owned historic site to provide historic tourism assets as well as economic engines thematic heritage tourism strategies and preservation assistance to local communities » Increase marketing of specific themed connections (I Love NY, Partners for Albany and regions—and measure its success tours to niche tour providers Stories, Road Scholars, Path through Incorporate conversations about the » » Develop seminars and behind-the-scenes History, etc.) importance of historic preservation into tours of historic properties and market them to interpretive initiatives at historic sites and key target audiences such as lifelong learners museums, including information about how

2003 2004 2005

The federal Preserve America initiative was launched, reaffirming The Metropolitan Transportation Authority celebrated The Trans World Airlines Flight preservation as public policy and directing federal agencies to protect and the centennial of New York City’s subway system with a Center at JFK International use historic properties under their jurisdiction. While the Preserve America survey of its historic resources, nominations of properties Airport in Queens was listed grant program was eliminated in 2010-11, the community initiative for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic on the State and National remains active through the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Places, and rehabilitation projects. Registers of Historic Places. 22 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

associated with historic preservation. It is We hope that this plan will inspire successful VI. Working Together based on the premise that preservation is preservation collaborations across the state. in New York’s best interests; it is a powerful All New Yorkers have the opportunity to yet underutilized community revitalization realize the benefits of historic preservation New Yorkers are proud of their rich heritage strategy that should be an integral part of the and to support these efforts in whatever way and value the diverse range of properties state’s development and growth. that is appropriate for them, such as: that make up the historic fabric of this great Although the plan has been prepared » Visit a historic site and/or learn about the state. These places are the focus of state by the SHPO and will guide much of the history of your community and local pride and identity and are valuable office’s work over the next five years, it assets that contribute to improving and was developed with extensive public input, » Join a preservation organization and/or reinvigorating our communities in significant including individuals and organizations that volunteer at a historic site and sustainable ways. This plan has have experience in planning, community been prepared to help all New Yorkers » Encourage your community to identify local development, historic preservation, identify, preserve, enhance and promote historic properties and get involved in local landscape, architecture, education, the state’s historic and cultural properties land use planning archeology and New York State history. In as well as achieve the social, economic, response to these comments, the plan’s environmental and cultural benefits » Enact a local preservation law goals, objectives and strategies offer a flexible blueprint for expanding preservation » Explore creative uses for underused efforts across the state. In addition to historic resources in your community information and guidance that can be used and adapted to a variety of community » Support local businesses and events interests and needs, the plan includes in historic areas—they make important examples that demonstrate that historic contributions to the quality of community life properties are adaptable, renewal resources as well as support economic development that offer cost-effective and environment and job creation friendly community development options. We invite everyone to celebrate the 50th As we heard during the planning process, anniversary of the National Historic Preservation partnerships are the key to ensuring that Act and we encourage all New Yorkers to go Project partners celebrate the rehabilitation of the Rochester Free out and discover the state’s diverse history and for commercial and residential use. The multi-million dollar our historic and cultural properties are Academy culture as well as get involved in recognizing project, which utilized preservation tax credits, has returned one of safeguarded and maximized for the benefit downtown Rochester’s architectural gems to active use and promises of our communities and our quality of life. and preserving their community’s heritage, to stimulate further local redevelopment efforts. distinctive character and sense of place.

2006

New York State’s historic preservation tax credit program was established, offering owners of commercial properties An illustrated history of New York State’s armories, located in distressed census tracts and qualified for the federal tax credit a state income tax credit equal to 20% New York’s Historic Armories, An Illustrated History, of rehabilitation costs. Owner-occupied residential properties that are listed on the State and National Registers of was published through a partnership between the state Historic Places and located in distressed census tracts are eligible for a state tax credit equal to 20% of rehabilitation Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation costs. The credit was enhanced in 2009 with the addition of 800 new census tracts. and the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs. 23

VII. Bibliography

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. “Managing Change: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Rightsizing in America.” Washington, Preservation. New York State Historic Preservation DC: Government Printing Office, 2012. Plan 2002–2006. Albany, NY: Division for Historic Preservation, 2006. City of Buffalo. “Buffalo Building Reuse Project.” Buffalo, NY: Buffalo Niagara Partnership, 2012. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “New York State Historic Preservation Plan Eisenstadt, Peter, ed. The Encyclopedia of New York State. 2009–2013: Historic Preservation at a Crossroads.” Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005. Albany, NY: Division for Historic Preservation, 2013.

Gratz, Roberta Brandes. “In Shrinking Cities, Preserving New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Existing Buildings Can Stem the Loss.” citiwire.net. Preservation. “New York State Historic Site and State Historic Park System Assessment.” Albany, NY: Division Klein, Milton M., ed. and the New York State Historical for Historic Preservation, 2012. Association. The Empire State: A History of New York. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2001. “Site Seeing.” The New York State Preservationist. (Fall/ Winter 2005). Longwoods Travel U.S.A. “New York State 2009 Visitor Report.” Whitehall, MI: Longwoods International, 2009. PlaceEconomics. Population Change in Historic Neighborhoods. Supplement. Washington: Place National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Economics, 2012. Technical Preservation Services and Rutgers University. The Underground Railroad History Project of the “Annual Report of the Economic Impact of the Federal Trust for Public Land. “The Economic Benefits of New York’s Capital Region promotes and encourages knowledge Historic Tax Credit for FY 2012.” Washington, DC: Environmental Protection Fund.” New York: Trust for and understanding of the Underground Railroad Government Printing Office, 2013. Public Land, 2012. movement and its genesis and legacy in the Capital District and New York State. The organization conducts National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities. primary research and offers a variety of education Technical Preservation Services. “Federal Tax Incentives “Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative: 1st Annual opportunities, including walking tours, an annual for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, 35th Anniversary.” Report.” Annual Report. Washington, 2013. conference and community outreach programs. The Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 2013. organization also owns the nineteenth century residence of Stephen and Harriett Myers, African American leaders in Albany’s Underground Railroad movement. The property is in the process of being rehabilitated and has become a venue for public programs and special events.

2009 2011

The Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial The abandoned nineteenth century Poughkeepsie Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee left a path of destruction celebrated the voyages of discovery by Henry Railroad Bridge was transformed into Walkway across New York and the State Historic Preservation Office Hudson and Samuel de Champlain as well Over the Hudson State Historic Park, a walk and worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as Robert Fulton’s steamship journey up the bike way that offers spectacular views of the and State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) to streamline Hudson River. Hudson River Valley. environmental reviews for communities impacted by the storms. 24 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

»» National Park Service nps.gov New York State VIII. Preservation • American Battlefield Protection Program »» Hudson River Valley Greenway nps.gov/abpp hudsongreenway.ny.gov Contacts • Archeology nps.gov/archeology »» I Love NY iloveny.com • Cultural Resource Diversity Program nps.gov/crdi »» List of all New York State Agencies nysegov.com • Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits »» New York State Archive Trust The following represents a partial nps.gov/tps/tax-incentives.htm nysarchivestrust.org/aptindex.shtml • Heritage Documentation Programs list of agencies and organizations »» New York State Canal Corporation canals.ny.gov that offer historic preservation, nps.gov/hdp » heritage development and community • Historic American Buildings Survey » New York State Council on the Arts nysca.org (HABS) nps.gov/hdp/habs/index.htm improvement programs, services and/or »» New York State Department of Education • Historic American Engineering Record assistance in New York State. • New York State Museum nysm.nysed.gov (HAER) nps.gov/hdp/haer/index.htm • New York State Historian nysm.nysed.gov/ • Historic American Landscape Survey services/srvstate.html Built in 1944, the USS SLATER is a CANNON class National/Federal (HALS) nps.gov/hdp/hals/index.htm • New York State Archaeologist nysm. destroyer escort that served in the U.S. Navy during • Cultural Resources Geographic Information nysed.gov/research/anthropology/crsp/ »» Advisory Council on Historic Preservation achp.gov System nps.gov/hdp/crgis/index.htm World War II. Decommissioned in 1947, the Slater was • Preserve America Program • New York State Archive archives.nysed.gov/ transferred to the Greek Navy in 1951, deactivated in • Certified Local Government Program a/about/index.shtml preserveamerica.gov nps.gov/clg 1991 and threatened with disposal. Fortunately, the »» National Conference of State Historic • Historic Preservation Planning nps.gov/ »» New York State Department of State Destroyer Escort Sailors Association, a nationwide Preservation Officers ncshpo.org preservation-planning/ • Local Waterfront Revitalization Program organization dedicated to recognizing the importance of dos.ny.gov/opd/programs/lwrp.html destroyer escorts and those who served on them, came »» National Alliance of Preservation • Maritime Heritage Program nps.gov/maritime/ • Division of Local Government Services to the ship’s rescue. The Greek Navy donated the ship to Commissions napcommissions.org • National Center for Preservation Technology & Training ncptt.nps.gov/ dos.ny.gov/lg/ the association, which raised money to bring it to New »» National Heritage Areas in New York State • National Historic Landmark Program • Regional Planning Agencies in New York York and established the Destroyer Escort Historical • Hudson River Valley National Heritage nps.gov/nhl/ State dos.ny.gov/lg/planning_agencies.html Museum. The vessel was moved to Albany in 1997. Area hudsonrivervalley.com • National Register of Historic Places nps.gov/nr/ »» New York State Homes and Community With the help of private support, volunteers and public • Erie Canalway Corridor National Heritage funds, including state preservation grants, the Slater • National Underground Railroad Network Renewal nyshcr.org Area eriecanalway.org underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation. The Slater to Freedom Program nps.gov/subjects/ »» New York State Office of Parks, Recreation • Champlain Valley National Heritage ugrr/index.htm offers interpretive programs and guided tours, drawing Partnership champlainvalleynhp.org and Historic Preservation nysparks.com thousands of visitors to the riverfront each year. • Teaching with Historic Places nps.gov/nr/ • State Historic Preservation Office • Niagara Falls National Heritage Area twhp/about.htm discoverniagara.org nysparks.com/shpo/ • Technical Preservation Services for • Bureau of Historic Sites nysparks.com/ »» Path Through History paththroughhistory.ny.gov »» National Preservation Institute npi.org Historic Buildings nps.gov/tps/about.htm historic-preservation/bhs/ »» Preservation League of New York State »» National Trust for Historic Preservation • Tribal Preservation Program nps.gov/ • New York State Historic Sites nysparks.com/ preservenys.org preservationnation.org tribes/Tribal_Historic_Preservation_ historic-sites/ Officers_Program.htm »» Preservation Action preservationaction.org

2012

Hurricane Sandy hit New York City and Long Island, Governor Cuomo launched Path Through History and the State Historic Preservation Office worked initiative to highlight the state’s history and with FEMA and SEMO to make emergency response culture while bolstering tourism and economic exempt from historic preservation environmental development. Program components include reviews and expedite recovery reviews. distinctive signage and an interactive website. 25

Regional/Local Historic Preservation »» New-York Historical Society nyhistory.org »» Society for American Archaeology saa.org History, Historical Societies and Organizations »» New York Landmarks Conservancy »» Society for Historical Archaeology sha.org Museums nylandmarks.org »» Adirondack Architectural Heritage aarch.org »» Society for Industrial Archaeology sia-web.org »» American Association for State and Local »» Otsego 2000 otsego2000.org History aaslh.org »» Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy »» The Archaeological Conservancy bfloparks.org »» Preservation Association of Central New York archaeologicalconservancy.org »» Association of Public Historians of New York State aphnys.org »» Friends of Historic Herkimer County pacny.net geocities.ws/friendsofhistoricherkimercounty »» Preservation Association of the Southern Tier »» Center for Applied Historical Research pastny.org Architecture, Building Conservation (SUNY Albany) albany.edu/cahr »» Friends of Historic Kingston fohk.org and Landscape Architecture »» Greater Hudson Heritage Network »» Friends of the Upper East Side Historic »» Preservation Buffalo Niagara »» American Society of Landscape Architects asla.org greaterhudson.org Districts friends-ues.org preservationbuffaloniagara.org • Historic Preservation Professional »» Preservation League of Staten Island »» Historic House Trust (New York City) »» Greenwich Village Society for Historic Practice Network asla.org/ preservationleagueofstatenisland.org historichousetrust.org Preservation gvshp.org PPNIndividualHome.aspx?id=4246 »» Museum Association of New York »» Heritage Foundation of Oswego, Inc. »» Roslyn Landmark Society roslynlandmarks.org »» American Institute of Architects aia.org manyonline.org oswegocountyheritage.org »» Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation • Historic Resources Committee aia.org/ »» New York History Blog newyorkhistoryblog.org »» Historic Albany Foundation historic-albany.org saratogapreservation.org hrc_default »» New York State Historical Association nysha.org »» Historic Districts Council hdc.org »» Society for the Preservation of Long Island »» Association for Preservation Technology Antiquities splia.org apti.org »» Historic Elmira historicelmira.org »» Troy Architectural Program, Inc. tapinc.org • Northeast Chapter aptne.org »» Historic Essex essexny.org Planning »» Friends of Terra Cotta preserve.org/fotc »» Historic Hudson, Inc. historichudson.org »» American Planning Association planning.org Archeology »» League of Historic American Theaters lhat.org • Urban Design & Preservation Division » » Historic Ithaca, Inc. historicithaca.org planning.org/divisions/urbandesign/ »» Archaeology for the Public saa.org/public/ »» Society of Architectural Historians sah.org » index.htm » Historic Saranac Lake historicsaranaclake.org home/home.html • New York Metropolitan Chapter » c/o NYU Department of Fine Arts, Silver • New York Metro Chapter nyplanning.org » Hudson River Heritage hudsonriverheritage.org »» Council for Northeast Historical Archaeology Center, Room 303, New York, NY 10003 • New York Upstate Chapter »» Landmarks Society of Greater Utica cneha.org • Turpin Bannister Chapter (Upstate NY) nyupstateplanning.org uticalandmarks.org » » New York State Archaeological Association Ned Pratt, 433 Central Ave., Albany, NY »» Association of Towns of New York State »» Landmark Society of Western New York nysarchaeology.org/nysaa/ 12206 nytowns.org landmarksociety.org » » New York Archaeological Council »» Society for the Preservation of Old Mills »» New York Conference of Mayors nycom.org »» Landmark West landmarkwest.org nyarchaeology.org spoom.org »» New York Planning Federation nypf.org »» Market Street Restoration Agency »» NYC Heritage nycheritage.com »» New York State Association of Counties nysac.org gafferdistrict.com/market-street-restoration.html »» Professional Archaeologists of New York »» The Municipal Art Society of New York mas.org City panycarchaeology.org »» Newburgh Preservation Association »» Public Archaeology Facility, Binghamton newburghdrc.org University paf.binghamton.edu

2013 2015 2016

The New York State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit was The SHPO launched the Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS), an advanced In partnership with the SHPO, the new traditional building extended until December 31, 2019 with various improvements, Geographic Information System that allows more access to the State Historic trades program is launched at Hudson Valley Community including a rebate provision for income-producing properties. Preservation Office’s digitized historic and cultural resource databases as well as College in Troy, offering courses that train craftspeople in remote entry of resource information and paperless environmental review. various preservation skills. 26 | New York State Historic Preservation Plan 2015-2020

IX. New York State Historic Preservation Office Overview

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established historic preservation policy for the nation and established a partnership between the federal and state governments whereby a network of State Historic Preservation Offices was created to carry out the policy and provisions of the act on behalf the National Park Service. New York has a parallel law—the State Historic Preservation Act of 1980. In administering these laws, New York’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provides programs and services to help communities to achieve the social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits associated with are sent to the National Park Service for Over the past few years, the SHPO has helped Buffalo list some of historic preservation. final review and listing on the National the city’s largest neighborhoods on the State and National Registers. The nominations, which include thousands of properties, were initiated The State and National Registers of Register. Each year the SHPO submits about one hundred nominations, some of by sponsors who were interested in making the preservation tax Historic Places are the official lists of credits available to as many residents as possible. Hundreds of properties significant in the history and which may include entire neighborhoods homes have been rehabilitated using historic homeowner tax credits, culture of the state and the nation. Listing and hundreds of properties. totaling millions of dollars in project expenditures. The listings include the Allentown Historic District Expansion, University Park Historic helps to raise a community’s appreciation The statewide historic resources survey of its past, enhances preservation activities District, Elmwood Historic District West, Hamlin Park Historic program provides a comprehensive District, and a survey in the Black Rock neighborhood identified and provides access to incentives, such as approach to identifying historic and cultural hundreds of historic properties and led to several registers listings. tax credits and grants. The SHPO assists resources, helping communities recognize sponsors to develop registers nominations, the importance of these properties so that they The federal historic preservation tax which are reviewed and recommended can be incorporated into local planning and credit program offers owners of historic for listing by the New York State Board development efforts. The SHPO provides commercial properties a federal income for Historic Preservation. The State guidance on research, documentation tax credit equal to 20 percent of the Historic Preservation Officer, who is also and evaluation. Each year the SHPO adds rehabilitation cost. To be eligible, properties the commissioner of the New York State thousands of properties to the inventory, must be income producing, listed on the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic including neighborhoods that may be National Register and the proposed work Preservation, approves nominations and eligible for listing and able to benefit from must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s confers State Register status. Nominations preservation incentive programs. Standards for the Treatment of Historic 27

Properties. The state historic preservation tax contained in cultural resource reports, credit program offers owners of properties the SHPO’s archeological staff develops that are located in eligible census tracts and strategies to streamline environmental qualify for the federal credit a state income tax review for archeologically sensitive areas in credit equal to 20 percent of the rehabilitation consultation with federal and state agencies. costs, up to $5 million in credits. Additionally, owner-occupied residential properties New York’s Certified Local Government that are listed on the registers and located (CLG) program helps communities establish in eligible census tracts are eligible for and maintain local preservation programs a state tax credit equal to 20 percent of as part of their governmental functions. the rehabilitation costs, up to $50,000 A village, city, town or county begins the in credits. Each year the SHPO reviews certification process by requesting that hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of the SHPO review its local preservation law preservation tax credit projects. and procedures. If it is determined that the local legislation meets state and federal Built in the 1930s and located in the Riverhead Main Street Historic Under Section 106 of the National Historic standards, the municipality is certified District, which is listed on the State and National Registers, the Preservation Act and Section 14.09 of the New and becomes part of the statewide CLG Suffolk Theater was one of the area’s most popular entertainment York State Historic Preservation Act, state and network, which receives support from the centers and became an important anchor in the community’s central business district. The theater’s rehabilitation, which utilized federal agencies that fund, license or approve SHPO through technical assistance, grants preservation tax credits, included repairs to the building’s exterior projects in New York must consult with the and information sharing. The growth of the and interior as well as restoration of many original features, such as SHPO to determine if historic or cultural CLG program in New York has helped to not wall coverings, period lighting and the lobby’s mural. The project has properties are involved and whether they will only increase the number of municipalities transformed the abandoned landmark into a performing arts center, be affected by the proposed activity.Historic involved in advancing preservation at the infusing new life into downtown Riverhead. preservation environmental review ensures local level, but has also expanded the that properties that are listed or eligible for inclusion of historic and cultural resources of historic places. To be eligible, properties listing on the State and National Registers in local planning initiatives. The SHPO’s new must be listed on the State or National are considered and that adverse impacts Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) Registers at the time of grant award. are avoided, minimized or mitigated during promises to further community preservation the project planning process. Each year the efforts by offering the public online access These programs and services bring the SHPO SHPO reviews thousands of projects for their to the SHPO’s historic and cultural resource into contact with a wide range of resources impacts on historic and cultural resources, databases as well as information about and constituents, including government including sensitive archeological areas. SHPO programs, including application forms, agencies, nonprofit organizations, developers, guidelines and project status information. architects, homeowners, preservationists Archeology is a key component of historic and Native American tribal communities. preservation environmental review. The The SHPO helps to administer the historic This gives us a broad perspective on past SHPO works with public agencies and preservation grant program funded under and current trends and allows us to develop local communities, providing archeological the state Environmental Protection Fund strategies to address the short- and long- guidance, such as how to identify and (EPF), providing technical assistance to term preservation needs of the state. investigate archeological sites and how to municipal and nonprofit project sponsors on access cultural resource information. With the acquisition, restoration, rehabilitation, the help of the research and documentation reconstruction or archeological interpretation nysparks.com/shpo