An important step towards safeguarding our sacred sites

A month ago, I posted about Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s (PBN) Save Our Sacred Sites initiative. At the time, PBN was trying to raise funds to apply for local landmark status for 14 endangered historic churches that were at risk of being closed by the Catholic Diocese.

Today, PBN announced that it has successfully submitted historic applications for St. John Kanty Church, St. Stanislaus B&M Church, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to the Buffalo Preservation Board for its July 11 meeting.

“These churches are exemplary candidates for local historic landmark status, each meeting the criteria set forth in Buffalo’s preservation ordinance. Their architectural beauty and historical significance make them irreplaceable assets to our city’s built environment.” – PBN

Why is local monument status important?

• Provides surveillance:The preservation board must review any significant changes to the building.
• Offers tax incentives:Future owners can benefit from tax incentives, making preservation more feasible.
• Allows for additional funding: Opens the door to additional grants and tax credits for historic preservation. You can learn more here.

PBN also announced that it will submit three more historic applications at the Preservation Council’s next meeting on July 25, the last session before the council recesses in August.

To learn more about the Save Our Sacred Sites initiative, click here. To donate to the cause, click here.