Historic Preservation Funds Available

Rego-Forest Preservation Council received an e-mail from the NY Landmarks Conservancy, and we consider this a must-read for property owners in need of funding for their historic properties, and for community preservation advocates:

As you may know, the New York Landmarks Conservancy is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and reusing architecturally and historically important buildings in New York City. Much of the Conservancy’s work takes place in low and moderate income neighborhoods, demonstrating over and over again the positive effect of historic preservation on community development and revitalization. Through its Neighborhood Preservation Programs, the Conservancy has provided millions of dollars in grants and low-interest loans, as well as countless hours of project management and technical assistance, to owners of all types of buildings.

There are funds available in our Neighborhood Preservation Programs to help finance exterior (and interior structural) capital work and related costs on older buildings. The properties need not be designated landmark buildings in all cases, as the funding programs have different guidelines. All of the programs are accompanied by project management assistance to foster landmark quality work and facilitate public approval processes. The Neighborhood Preservation Programs are:

1. Historic Properties Fund – A revolving loan fund for any type of property or owner. Low interest, collateralized loans for preservation work on buildings that are officially landmarks, within historic districts, or eligible for listing in the State or National Register of Historic Places. (Conservancy staff can help you to obtain this determination from the State Historic Preservation Office; it involves little further public regulation or compliance cost.) Loans range from $20,000 to approximately $300,000 per project.

2. City Ventures Fund – A grant program for nonprofit owners/developers of properties that serve lower income people. Although there is a priority for projects that provide affordable and special needs housing, properties that provide services to lower income people, such as employment training, socials services, and other educational purposes, are also eligible for funding. Capital grants of up to $30,000 are available for preservation work on older buildings that generally do not have any landmark status but have good architectural quality and integrity; consulting grants of up to $10,000 are available for professional services.

3. Emergency Preservation Grants – Capitalized by The New York Community Trust, a grant program for nonprofit owners of historic properties for emergency repair work. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for immediate work that addresses public safety, water penetration, or other issues that threaten the preservation of the property.

In addition to the Neighborhood Preservation Programs, the Conservancy also provides city and statewide matching grants specifically for houses of worship (Sacred Sites Fund). Visit our website at http://www.nylandmarks.org/ for more information about our programs. Please call me or any of the people listed below to see if your project may be eligible for one of our programs.

Thank you,

- Karen Ansis
Fund Manager, New York Landmarks Conservancy
karenansis@nylandmarks.org

One Whitehall Street, 21st Floor
New York, New York 10004
http://www.nylandmarks.org/
Tel: (212) 995-5260 Tel
Fax: (212) 995-5268 Fax

Program Coordinators:

Ashley Hahn: ashleyhahn@nylandmarks.org
Jim Mahoney: jamesmahoney@nylandmarks.org

Fundraiser To Save RKO Keith's Flushing Theatre, Fri, March 19 at 8 PM

This is a preservation cause that calls for citywide and nationwide support! Please attend the comedy fundraiser to save the historic RKO Keith's Flushing Theatre, an endangered highly significant gem designed by America's foremost theater architect, Thomas Lamb in Flushing. This theater holds a special place in the hearts of many, but has been victimized for over 2 decades.

Fundraiser Details

- Friday, March 19th at 8 PM at Fuzzy's Wolfrose, 239-21 Braddock Avenue, Bellerose, NY. Please hurry, since tickets are selling out fast!
- Besides an evening of comedy, it will also feature a silent auction, music & dancing!
- If you cannot attend, you can still donate.

For the most up to date campaign information, history, photos, and contact information, please visit and bookmark:

1. http://www.savethekeiths.com/

2. Facebook Group for Friends of RKO Keith's Flushing Theatre: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1450792045#!/group.php?gid=60984938277
(Join the 2,860 members...& growing!)

3. Petition: http://new.petitiononline.com/rkokeith/petition.html

Please attend and contribute to a noble movement in the history of our diverse borough and city, and help spread the word to your colleagues and friends. With creativity and dedication, nothing is impossible to achieve. Power to the people! If you would like to volunteer or have questions, please contact Chair Ed Tracey: ejtracey3@gmail.com