Issues and Advocacy
Preservation Buffalo Niagara advocates for historic places in many different ways, such as our current effort to protect the Statler Building. In February, 2009, the Willert / A. D Price Courts and 169 East Ferry were added to the Preservation League of New York State's endangered list, Seven to Save.
PBN and National Trust for Historic Preservation jointly support a field representative, Andrea Rebeck, to further our Advocacy work that, for us, includes providing encouragement, recognition, and appropriate information on maintaining historic buildings, plus technical assistance to persons and organizations that own historic resources. Owners are the heroes of historic preservation—and we cherish them.
PBN will also advocate to save endanger historic buildings and places, such as the multi-year Peace Bridge Plaza controversy that threatens 80 structures in the historic Prospect Hill neighborhood. Another current issue for PBN is the potential demolition of the Buffalo’s Willert/ A. D. Price Housing Project, recently determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
We will also disseminate information of tax credits and other benefits on owning historic buildings and advocate for expanded financial incentives for property owners who undertake preservation projects.
We also encourage public agencies to utilize tools for the protection and enhancement of historic buildings and communities throughout the Buffalo region. Local designation and National Register designation each offer their own benefits, advantages and requirements. PBN will strive to educate property owners and the general public about these benefits and requirements, and will encourage property owners to seek historic designation for qualified properties.
Late in 2009, Andrea Rebeck assisted the Niagara Falls Historic Preservation Commission in obtaining local designation for the Evelyn Apartments, an owner-supported nomination that caused some controversy due to its proximity to the expanding Memorial Medical Center. She testified to the City Council on the property’s worthiness for designation and advised the city's Historic Preservation Commission as they worked towards a successful outcome for this property.
PBN recognizes that there will be occasions where the designation process will be initiated without an owner’s consent and has established a policy (
) for dealing with such situations.
Preservation Buffalo Niagara is also very concerned about the future maintenance and stewardship of Buffalo's priceless Olmsted Parks.
On December 7, 2009 the Preservation Buffalo Niagara Board of Trustees approved this statement about the proposed deconstruction and moving of St. Gerard's Church.
Preservation Buffalo Niagara has sent a letter of support to Governor Patterson for the wonderful idea of restoring the circa 1835 Erie Canal Locks #67 -71 in Lockport.
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