Senator Panepinto, Assemblymember Ryan, Councilmember Rivera, and Councilmember Feroleto Gather to Announce Benefits for Elmwood Historic District Homeowners

A message from

New York State Senator Marc Panepinto
Assemblymember Sean Ryan
Common Council Majority Leader David Rivera
Common Councilmember Joel Feroleto

Release: Senator Panepinto, Assemblymember Ryan, Councilmember Rivera, and Councilmember Feroleto Gather to Announce Benefits for Elmwood Historic District Homeowners

BUFFALO, N.Y. - On Thursday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m., a team of local elected officials gathered together with community members in front of a renovated historic building to announce that the State Historic Preservation Office is now accepting applications for the State Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program from owners of historic residences in eligible census tracts in the proposed Elmwood Historic District East, thereby benefiting more than 1,000 homeowners among their constituents.

This initiative is part of a larger effort that has been sponsored by the elected officials to create Buffalo’s newest and largest historic district, the Elmwood Historic District East that is expected to be approved for listing in the State and National Registers of Historic Places by the State Historic Preservation Office in December. Together with the already-designated Elmwood Historic District West, the entire Elmwood Historic District will be one of the largest in the state and the nation.

“This is a no-brainer for the residents of the Elmwood Historic District East,” said Senator Marc Panepinto. “By creating one of the largest historic districts in the nation, this community-driven initiative will not only increase property values for nearly 1,000 homeowners but preserve a proud piece of Buffalo’s history for generations to come. As I continue to fight alongside my partners in state government for this common-sense designation, I urge Elmwood Village homeowners to take advantage of these cost-saving tax credits as soon as possible.”

Assemblymember Sean Ryan said “The Elmwood Historic District East will be a win-win for Buffalo and the Elmwood Village, preserving the character of this unique and historic place, and helping to boost property values with upgrades and additions. If you plan on making improvements to your home, our message today is, fill out the paperwork now so that you can claim the tax credit for this year. We are going to keep pressing for final approval of this important designation and tax credits for Elmwood Village homeowners.”

Also as a result of these efforts, more than 60 historic homeowners will be added to the tax credit-eligible list.

The elected officials worked closely with Governor Cuomo’s administration in securing these advantages for eligible historic homeowners, some of whom would not have been eligible without this leadership on their behalf.

Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader David Rivera said, “I would like to thank SHPO and the Department of Taxation and Finance for making current year projects eligible and expanding the eligible area, respectively. I applaud my colleagues at the Assembly and State for advocating for these changes. With some of the oldest housing stock in the nation, it is important we seek all available resources to aid the upkeep and preservation of our precious homes. I encourage homeowners in the area to come out to the public meeting in November to learn more about this valuable program.”

Delaware District Council Member Joel Feroleto said, "I am happy to stand with my colleagues in government and partners in our community, whose hard work on preparing the Elmwood district nomination has given SHPO the confidence to allow many of our constituents to access financial tools that will help preserve our city's beautiful historic homes. Like my predecessor Mike LoCurto, who had helped move this initiative forward during his tenure, I too look forward to supporting continued efforts that ensure the City of Buffalo remains a leader in historic preservation".

Elmwood Historic District East Community Council Chair and homeowner Wyatt Arthurs said, “We are grateful to our elected officials for their leadership in extending the benefits of this program to our Elmwood District and for their continued support of our initiative. This important announcement will boost our efforts in raising the funds for the costs of making the historic district official this year.”

The creation of the additional historic district marks the culmination of a long-term effort with Clinton Brown Company Architecture, PC and an Elmwood East Community Council to secure national recognition of their neighborhood and to access state tax credits of 20% of the costs of pre-approved home improvements that help preserve their home’s historic character and the rich history of the Elmwood Village neighborhood.

A public meeting will be held Tuesday, November 10th from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church. This public meeting is a follow up with members of the community after the first meeting earlier in the year. Residents will get an update on the status of the application with the State Historic Preservation Office as well as an update on when homeowners will be able to start applying for the new tax credits.

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Senator Panepinto represents the 60th Senate District, which includes parts of the City of Buffalo as well as communities in both the Northtowns and the Southtowns of Western New York.