Indiana Landmarks warns of Section 106 changes, urges local designation and explains grants

Deb Parcel of Indiana Landmarks gave the commission an extended briefing on the differences between National Register listing and local designation and outlined opportunities and limits for funding and protection. Parcel said the National Register, created under the 1966 Historic Preservation Act, "doesn't do a lot in the way of protection, but it is a gateway for a lot of funding," and described Section 106 federal review as an important tool that is "under fire" and may face changes that could reduce its effectiveness.

Parcel emphasized that local designation is the mechanism that typically imposes binding restrictions on exterior changes: "The thing that's binding and restrictive is local designation, and that's what y'all are here for." She recommended working with property owners before pursuing local districts, explained the Certificate of Appropriateness process for exterior changes, and highlighted the tax-credit and grant programs tied to National Register status (20% state credit for residents; 20% federal credit for commercial property). Parcel offered to share contractor lists and grant-opportunity information with the HPC and said Indiana Landmarks may request letters to state officials if Section 106 rules change.

Parcel also reviewed practical options — conservation/phase districts, covenants and easements, and survey ratings (outstanding, notable, contributing) — and urged commissioners to emphasize public hearings and owner outreach when pursuing designation. She said designation processes can be lengthy but may unlock tax credits and preservation grants that are otherwise unavailable to locally designated properties.