Start Planning for Spring Construction

Thomas Leigh, AIA is exploring the construction of a house built in the 1800's using balloon framing, mortise & tendon and pegs to bring it into the 2010's.

Remodeling adds less to home resale values than it used to - Dec. 18, 2009

Remodeling adds less to home resale values than it used to - Dec. 18, 2009

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City of Peekskill Brushes Up Definition of Artist

Peekskill may widen eligibility criteria for artists’ housing.

WITH Westchester County’s real estate market a challenge these days, Peekskill is doing its part by rethinking the criteria for eligibility for its artists’ housing.

The city’s live-work rentals were developed over the last two decades in the downtown historic district. Peekskill created an artists’ zone in this eight-block area by allowing the conversion of empty space over storefronts as part of a revitalization project. In all, 49 rental units have been built on the upper floors of commercial buildings, along with 28 units in a co-op built with city, county and state funds.

Peekskill Art Lofts, a 28-unit work/live residential

co-operative for Peekskill certified artists.

By ELSA BRENNER
Published: December 4, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/realestate/06wczo.html?_r=1

NYS Historic Preservation Tax Credit Bill Signed

July 29, 2009

GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDIT

Program Will Create Jobs and Draw Private Investment to New York’s Historic Main Streets Enhancements Will Make Tax Credits More Effective in Preserving Historic Structures

Governor David A. Paterson signed legislation to strengthen the New York State Historic Preservation Tax Credit, improving a program that will stimulate investment in urban neighborhoods, create jobs, increase property values and revitalize historic areas.

The Governor held a ceremonial bill signing at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society and was joined by members of the Senate, Assembly and community.

The rehabilitation tax credit program provides incentives to developers, municipalities, businesses and residents to make investments in distressed areas by rehabilitating historic properties that are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

“New York has a wealth of historic properties, particularly in our small cities, that are falling into disrepair or are underutilized. The enhanced Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit will breathe new life into the State’s historic downtown areas while creating jobs and revitalizing the economy,” said Governor Paterson. “

As we move forward toward the New Economy, it is critical that we continue to use our State resources to leverage private investment dollars to take our distressed historic areas and return them to vibrant centers of commerce and culture.”

Historic preservation efforts play an important role in smart growth community renewal. Preservation efforts have proven to create jobs, attract small business, increase property values and promote affordable housing. In addition, historic preservation works to enhance the quality of life in historic urban neighborhoods by maintaining the distinctive culture and character of the area.

The enhancements signed by Governor Paterson will provide the following tax incentives for qualified historic properties:

Gradually increase over five years the cap on the commercial credit value from $100,000 to $5 million and the residential credit value from $25,000 to $50,000;

Target the credit in “distressed” areas -- those located within a Census tract identified at or below one hundred percent of the median family income;

Increase the share of qualified rehabilitation costs that commercial property owners can claim for the credit from 6 percent to 20 percent; and

Offer the Preservation Tax Credit as a rebate for lower income homeowners to provide them with a stronger financial incentive with relatively smaller tax liability.

The program will apply to taxable years beginning January 1, 2010, and will sunset in five years on December 31, 2014.

http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_0729092.html

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