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December 22, 2023 Town of West Seneca 1250 Union Road West Seneca, New York 14224 Re: Memo Commission Requests & Recommended Actions At this time, the West Seneca Historic Preservation Commission respectfully requests the Town Board’s support for the following actions: 1. Adopt the Modified Demolition Ordinance • Provides a clear, consistent review process for historically significant structures • Protects community character while allowing flexibility and due process • Serves as an interim safeguard while surveys and designations advance 2. Opt Into GML §§96-a & 119-dd (Historic Property Tax Abatement) • Optional, owner-initiated incentive • Encourages private reinvestment in historic properties • Widely used across New York State; no mandate to grant abatements 3. Support Continued Historic Survey & Designation Work • Current CLG grant application funds only part of the recommended survey scope - $21,375 with $3,250 of pro-bono / volunteer hours submitted as matching • Request for an additional $11,150 for comprehensive survey completion per SHPO recommendations, inherently assumes increase in pro-bono / volunteer hours to $6,500 • Modest local funding can: o Accelerate survey completion o Advance National Register and Local District eligibility ( 170 to 300 properties ) o Unlock historic tax credits and reinvestment opportunities sooner