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WEST SENECA HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION - MEETING MINUTES WEST SENECA COMMUNITY CENTER - 1300 UNION ROAD, WEST SENECA, NY 14224 Chairperson Lang noted that the local landmark designation for the property at 919 Union Road has been approved. Chairperson Lang agreed to potentially generate a letter and coordinate with Deputy Town Supervisor Amelia Greenan and The West Seneca Bee to publicize the designation. NEW BUSINESS • Future Efforts & Funding Opportunities Chairperson Lang reported on correspondence with the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which explained that as a Certified Local Government (CLG), the Commission can establish its own criteria for local historic districts. This local certification process is significantly shorter and less demanding than a full National Register nomination prepared by consultants. Once a CLG certifies a district, SHPO reviews it for completeness and forwards it to the National Park Service (NPS) with a high likelihood of approval. This approval would make properties within the district eligible for historic tax credits. The Commission discussed that this independent process would allow them to bypass the long grant cycles and consultant-led studies, which could drastically delay district listings. • Identification of Potential Landmarks and Districts Mr. Ball inquired about pursuing designations for key properties identified in previous studies. The Commission discussed several potential candidates for individual landmark status or new historic districts, including the Former Pennsylvania Railroad Roundhouse, the Cider Mill, and Fourteen Holy Helpers Roman Catholic Church. Chairperson Lang proposed that the Commission focus on nominating one property to serve as a model for future efforts and for all members to bring specific suggestions for a pilot property to the next meeting. ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC None received. COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS None. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Mr. Ball, seconded by Ms. Berbary, to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 PM. 2