Town of Clarence
Town of Clarence Certified Local Government Project
In 2008, The Town of Clarence became a New York State Certified Local Government (CLG) by creating and adopting a local historic preservation ordinance following a long and concentrated effort. This award recognizes the exemplary stewardship by the elected officials, working with citizens and other preservation partners, for the identification, recognition, and protection of the unique value of their historic properties by means of creating an historic preservation ordinance. The Town worked with the NYS Historic Preservation Office to create and adopt a customized Historic Preservation Ordinance through an open public process. The ordinance provides tax abatement for owners of designated properties, a first in WNY. To date, five local historic properties have been designated. Clarence was established in 1808, and is the oldest township in Erie County and the largest. Through initial survey work more than 2,000 structures built prior to 1950 were reviewed; 597 properties meet federal criteria for official recognition, and later the list was refined to 300 of the most historic and significant properties. The primary goals of this survey were to identify and document properties potentially deserving of local and state/national listing, and to provide a reference list and workable database that will aid in the creation and implementation of local policy for preservation, maintenance, and promotion of significant Town historical aspects, places and character. Funding was provided by the Town, and complemented by a Preserve NY grant from the Preservation League of New York State in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts. These forward-looking actions over the last 4 years will help protect the historic character of Clarence while accommodating this growth for decades to come. The results of this historic preservation planning are being integrated into Town land use and planning activities, in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Preservation Planning. This exemplary work by the Town of Clarence is and will be a model for all of Western New York.
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