|
Home >
Preservation News >
2007 Legislative Session highlights
The General Assembly finished its 2007 session on June 6 without passing a
budget, but did pass two bills that will help historic preservation.
"An Act Concerning Youth Opportunities and Urban Revitalization"
gives Connecticut
a new state historic rehabilitation tax credit. It was signed into law by
Governor Rell on June 14th, 2007. The bill expands the tax credit program of
last year, which covers the conversion of historic commercial and industrial
buildings to residential use (see CPN, July/August 2006).
The new law makes mixed-use
projects also eligible for rehabilitation tax credits. It also allows a higher
credits for affordable housing projects in historic buildings; 30 % instead of
25 %.
Anita Mielert, secretary of
Connecticut Preservation Action, a statewide lobbying group for historic
preservation, praised the new credit, say, ‘This gives us two state historic
rehabilitation tax credit measures. The law created one year ago remains I
force as is. This second measure is for mixed-use projects only. Together they
give up to $95 million over the next three years to accomplish some very, very
significant changes to our communities.”
The
second bill is “An Act Concerning Demolition of Buildings,” which allows
municipalities to pass delay of demolition ordinances of up to 180 days. Previously,
the maximum was 90 days. Delay of demolition ordinances don’t prevent the
demolition of historic buildings, but they do give preservationists a chance to
work with property owners and developers to find ways of saving and reusing
these structures. The bill was introduced by Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). It too
has been signed by the governor.
|
