Designation Would Allow Over 100 Buildings To Qualify For State And Federal Tax Credits For Redevelopment
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today called on the National Park Service (NPS) to give the highest consideration to a proposal put forth by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLF). In a letter to NPS director Jonathan Jarvis, Senator Casey said that the proposal, which would add Pittsburgh’s “Renaissance Historic District” to the National Register of Historic Places, could provide notable economic benefits to the city.
“As part of the National Register of Historic Places, buildings located in the ‘Renaissance Historic District’ would qualify for state and federal tax credits for redevelopment purposes,” wrote Senator Casey. “Tax credit incentives would foster responsible redevelopment practices and enhance the overall economic development of Pittsburgh and I urge you to give full and fair consideration to this proposal.”
According to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Historic Preservation, since the inception of the National Register in 1976 over 400 redevelopment projects in Allegheny County have received federal tax credits.
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter to Director Jarvis can be seen below:
Mr. Johnathan Jarvis
Director
National Park Service
1849 C Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20240
Dear Director Jarvis:
It is my understanding that the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLF), upon the expected approval by Pennsylvania History & Museum Commission, will propose the "Renaissance Historic District" to be included as part of the National Register of Historic Places. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to give full and fair consideration to this proposal.
It has been brought to my attention that the proposed "Renaissance Historic District" encompasses over 100 structures and buildings that were erected during Pittsburgh's urban renewal period that occurred during the 1940's and 1950’s. I have been informed that the PHLF's proposal has the broad support of the community and key stake-holders such as the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. As part of the National Register and Historic Places, buildings located in the "Renaissance Historic District" would qualify for state and federal tax credits for redevelopment purposes. As it appears, tax credit incentives would foster responsible redevelopment practices and enhance the overall economic development of Pittsburgh. Developers in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have lengthy history of taking advantage these tax credits as redevelopment tools. According to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Historic Preservation, since the National Register's inception in 1976, over 400 re-development projects in Allegheny County have received federal tax credits.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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