Southtowns Record

HPC.01.07.2026.AgendaPacket

Government
Town of West Seneca
Board
Historical Preservation Commission
Meeting
Jan 7, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
Posted by publisher
Jan 11, 2026
Kind
Agenda packet
Topics
Budget and taxes, Audits and oversight, Parks and recreation

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 2 of 24

Read the whole document on one page (all 24 pages, each with its own heading)

3.  Consideration of modest local financial support to advance comprehensive surveying and designation
  work. The Preservation Studios proposal prepared for the Town outlined two survey scenarios: one limited
  in scope ( 1 District equaling +/-175 buildings ) and one comprehensive (2 Districts totaling +/- 300 buildings)
  . The current grant application for $21,375, addresses only part of the recommended work and inherently
  includes $3,250 of pro-bono / volunteer efforts committed by the Commission members. Contingent upon
  award, if the Town of West Seneca could allocate an additional $11,125, Commission members would double
  our volunteer efforts, as outlined in proposal to $6,500, which would allow for full comprehensive survey
  of both districts.

  This strategic local funding, whether as a supplement, match, or bridge between grant cycles, would
  significantly accelerate survey completion, designation eligibility, and access to financial incentives such
  as historic tax credits for property owners within the districts. Advancing this work in a timely manner
  directly benefits property owners and strengthens the local tax base.

Looking ahead to 2026, while district-level efforts advance, the Commission also intends to pursue individual
property landmark designations for well-known and highly significant structures throughout the Town. This parallel
approach, districts and individual landmarks, aligns with SHPO guidance and allows preservation benefits to be
realized incrementally rather than deferred.

The Commission appreciates the Town Board’s continued partnership and support. We believe these actions
represent prudent planning tools that balance property rights, fiscal responsibility, and stewardship of West Seneca’s
historic assets. We look forward to continued collaboration as we work to preserve, promote, and responsibly
leverage the Town’s rich history.

Should there be any questions, or additional information required please don’t hesitate to contact me by cell at 716-
704-0362 or via e-mail at [email protected]. I greatly appreciate your consideration of our requests.

Very truly yours,

Paul R. Lang, AIA

Attachments:
Memo Commission Requests & Recommended Actions
NYS CLG Performance Review
CLG 2025 Grant Application
West Seneca ILS Survey Proposal