NYS Legislative Round-Up: June 2021

Over the past 15 months, the world has faced incredible challenges, forever defined by the global COVID-19 pandemic – with current death rates totaling 3,756,220 worldwide, 612,759 in the United States, and 52,895 in New York State. Only adding fuel to the fire was the social and political unrest addressing racial injustices and a presidential transfer of power that will go down in infamy.

As we marked the end of the 2021 New York State legislative session on June 10, our policy team wanted to take a moment to reflect upon the League’s recent preservation advocacy efforts. Though we found ourselves forging a new path, composed of Zoom calls that replaced our customary strolls down to the Albany Capitol building, it was very much business as usual – as we shared with our NYS legislators and staff how preservation efforts help build strong communities. We’re delighted with what has been accomplished this session, and invite you to take a look at what we’ve been working on these past few months.

On Friday, May 7, League President Jay DiLorenzo joined with Assemblymembers Carrie Woerner, John T. McDonald III, and Patricia Fahy to celebrate improvements to the state commercial historic tax credit in the 2021-2022 NYS budget. The press conference was held at the Collar Factory Lofts in Troy, a historic factory turned into loft apartments by Redburn Development — with the help of historic tax credits. Redburn Development Principal Tom Rossi and Troy Mayor Patrick Madden were also on hand to share remarks, mentioning the positive effect the increased credit is sure to have on Troy and other cities like it across the state.

NYS Historic Tax Credit Increase

This year, we have a lot to celebrate with the passing of an increase to our state historic tax credit for small projects! The result is a 30% credit for projects under $2.5 million (up from a 20% credit) and provides historic regions much needed incentive after decades of disinvestment (effective 01.01.2022). We knew we’d be facing another tough budget year, and owe our gratitude to the leadership of Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, Senator Timothy Kennedy, and all the legislators who recognize the economic importance of this initiative in New York.

NYS Canal System

We listed the NYS Canal System as a statewide 2020-2021 Seven to Save to highlight the need for New York State to prioritize stewardship of its National Historic Landmark canals as an intact, fully navigable international waterway for present and future generations.

Photo showing a trail running parallel to the canal. Credit: Robert Corby

This session, we advocated for legislation that supports that mission in a couple of different ways. The first of which requires quarterly meetings of the Canal Recreationway Commission, who only currently meet at the request of the chairperson. Consistent meetings will ensure future planning efforts are thoughtfully considered. We applaud the legislature for recognizing the importance of this legislation, as referenced by its unanimous bipartisan passage in the Senate and Assembly. We sincerely thank Senator May and Assemblymember Buttenschon for their leadership! Read more on bills S.5959/A.7045.

Concurrently, we continue to support S.5958/A.7044 introduced by Senator May and Assemblymember Buttenschon, which formally adopts into statute, a Canal System navigation season that supports optimum use of the Erie Canal. It expands use of state drydock facilities for commercial vessels such as tour boats and includes Coast Guard drydock inspections and winter storage.  

Black and white photos of the interior and exterior of a Wells Barn in Monroe County by Bruce Harvey. Click here to view a short video on Wells Barns.

Barn Historic Tax Credit

Barns provide a tangible connection to New York State’s agricultural beginnings. Their magnitude can be awe-inspiring but conversely daunting when it comes to funding their rehabilitation and reuse. Prior to 2017, NYS had a tax credit program aimed at lessening that financial impact, in the way of a 25% barn tax credit program. Unfortunately, as a result of changes in federal tax code under the Federal Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017, the program was negatively impacted. Since then, we have been urging this to be set right in effort to retain our agricultural heritage and return these buildings to productive use. We are pleased that this legislation has now passed the Senate and Assembly and thank Senator Hinchey and Assemblymember Barrett for championing this legislation. Read more on bills S.6042/A.6947.

An aerial photo of Fort Ticonderoga. The fort is located at the confluence of Lake Champlain and Lake George in upstate New York and played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War. Photo source.

Revolutionary War 250th Anniversary

As we look forward to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, we reflect on New York’s vast role leading up to and during this incredible time in history and recognize the opportunity to recognize the many marginalized groups that did not enjoy the liberty and freedom being fought for (namely women, African Americans, and Native Americans). We were proud to support Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and Senator Shelley Mayer’s bills A04742B/S04410C to establish the “New York State two hundred fiftieth commemoration act” – and are happy to report they’ve passed in both the Senate and the Assembly. The positive impact will include far reaching innovative programs, grants, events, exhibits, new and expanded facilities, and marketing to engage the people of the nation and from all parts of the world – to educate and inspire. Read more.

Assemblymember John McDonald speaking in front of 15 Delaware Ave in Albany’s South End Historic District.

Receivership

In an effort to remedy conditions dangerous to life/health/safety, limit the negative environmental impacts of demolition, and retain our built environment, we applaud Assemblymember McDonald and Senators Ryan and Cooney for their efforts to address real property issues of vacancy and deterioration with their introduction of two sets of bills A.3241/S.6721 & A.5337/S.5377. This legislation would result in the ability to maintain safe and livable housing, stabilize neighborhoods, and contribute to the overall quality of life for residents across New York State. Read more. We are pleased that S.5377 has passed in the Senate and A.3241 has passed in the Assembly, we hope their companion bills are soon to follow.

New York State preservation initiatives are thriving – thanks to the passion and hard work of our statewide elected officials and advocates. As we reflect on our personal and shared tragedies over this past year and a half, let us look toward brighter days with a renewed sense of our heritage and an eye toward preservation. We will continue to advocate for preservation as we seek innovative solutions to economic recovery and increase vitality of those places we value most.

What preservation-related legislation should we advocate for next year? Contact us to have your voice heard!

Public PolicyChristina Hingle