Downtown gets boost from N.Y.

ONEIDA, N.Y. » Oneida’s proposed Downtown Commercial Historic District just got one step closer to reality.

The New York State Board for Historic Preservation approved the district on Friday, along with 22 other sites throughout the state. Now the proposal will move on to the National Park Service for re- view and approval, said Oneida Planning Director Cassie Rose.

“Until the process is fully completed, we are still in waiting,” she said. “However, this is a very significant step and we have every reason to believe that the federal review will be approved.”

The city began planning the Downtown Commercial Historic District in 2016 as a way to help restore and revitalize downtown. The newdistrict would encompass more than 70 buildings, many of which have “absolutely beautiful” architectural significance, Rose said.

“I think the whole vision is a good one,” said Mayor Leo Matzke said. “As controversial as the Rail Trail is, going down Railroad Street, redoing Clinch Park, Main Street, the Lehrman building on Madison Street and all the improvements coming on board, I think people will be thrilled with downtown.”

“We’re waiting at this point for it to go through, but it will be a good opportunity for the downtown business owners,” Ward 6 Councilor Tom Simchik said. “It’ll open up grant money for them to do renovations for their buildings.”

Unlike a historic preservation ordinance which has strict regulations regarding what owners may or may not do with their property, owners in the Downtown Commercial Historic District will be able to alter the buildings.

“There’s nothing negative about it,” she said. “It’s an honorary designation, but there are positives for those who want to renovate their buildings to save the historic architecture that made the downtown an incredible place.”

Other Central New York sites approved by the state for the historic register include the Wampsville Presbyterian Church, the Upper Genesee Street Historic District in Utica, and the LipeRollway Corporation Building J in Syracuse.

“These nominations will help communities across this great state preserve the historic landmarks and sites that shaped New York’s rich heritage,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “By recognizing the very fabric of our cities and towns, New York is shining light on important sites and resources in every region, while supporting community development and encouraging residents and visitors alike to experience the diverse history and culture found in every corner of the state.”

State and National Registers listing can assist property owners in revitalizing buildings, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching state grants and state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits.

“This designation is an important step in helping the owners and caretakers preserve and improve these assets,” said Rose Harvey, commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “The preservation of these diverse places will help bolster prosperity and quality of life across New York State.”

The State and National Registers are the official lists of buildings, structures, districts, landscapes, objects and sites significant in the history, architecture, archeology and culture of New York state and the nation. There are more than 120,000 historic buildings, structures and sites throughout the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places, individually or as components of historic districts.

Once the recommendations are approved by the state historic preservation officer, the properties are listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places and then nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, where they are reviewed and, once approved, entered on the National Register.

Madison Street circa 1906.