Grand Island commission begins work to pursue Certified Local Government status

The Grand Island Historic Preservation Commission on April 16 heard a state presentation on pursuing Certified Local Government (CLG) status and agreed to forward its existing local ordinance to the state coordinator for a formal review.

The discussion centered on what the CLG designation requires, how it can enable grant funding and technical assistance, and what changes (if any) Grand Island’s ordinance and commission structure would need to meet state and federal standards.

Frances, the CLG coordinator with the New York State office, told the commission that “the certified local government program is actually a federally sponsored program. It's a partnership with the National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation Office.” She outlined core requirements: adoption of a local historic preservation ordinance, a qualified local preservation commission, a maintained survey/inventory of historic resources, annual reporting and periodic performance reviews. Frances said communities that become CLGs are eligible for targeted technical assistance and a share of federal funds passed through the state via the Historic Preservation Fund.

Commission chair Jim Crawford said the group had already prepared an ordinance and asked what came next.…