The state is holding a series of workshops to get the public’s feedback about historic preservation. A meeting is planned in Traverse City on September 21 and in Detroit on October 12. Another meeting will take place in Lansing in January.
People have already attended workshops in Kalamazoo and Midland. Their biggest concern so far is the lack of funding for preservation programs.
Laura Ashlee is with The State Historic Preservation Office.
“As part of the governor’s restructuring of taxes in Michigan for businesses he eliminated the tax credits for historic preservation. There will be a new program, we believe, and we’re going to work with the governor to implement that program.”
Ashlee says historic preservation also makes economic sense. She says people are employed when working on restorations. She also says historic buildings attract people and businesses to that area.
The State Historic Preservation Office is in the process of writing its plan for the next five years. And the public’s feedback will help shape its plan.
