Yesterday is history, but it’s still important.
Holmes Beach commissioners are expected to consider outlining historic preservation measures soon after the city of Anna Maria completes its process.
The process is “not hard. It’s just time consuming,” Commission Vice Chair Jean Peelen told commissioners May 9 at their work shop.
Peelen discussed reasons to pursue a local historic home designation, including tax benefits. With the help of resident Jack Brennan, Anna Maria is working to establish a local historic district and “hand us the templates” Peelen said.
Brennan was named 2016 Anna Maria Citizen of the Year for his volunteer work, including maintenance for the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and helping Anna Maria with its historical preservation efforts. He also is vice president of the AMI Community Development Fund, which is also known as Home Sweet Home.
A historic property can include homes, property or cultural monuments. One of the benefits of historic preservation is the ability to receive grants for renovations.
Certified rehabilitation projects must meet standards set by the National Park Service to be eligible for a 20 percent rehabilitation tax credit, according to nps.gov.
Peelen said the city has about 30 ground-level homes that could be considered historic but she recommended waiting until Anna Maria adopts its ordinance before proceeding.