FYI: This is to explain – again – to those who have not understood the nature of having the National Register of Historic Places designation for Charleroi’s Historic District. Simply put, the whole town is designated as a contiguous line of significant architecture representing a time period and highlighting the different levels of history = heritage, that accompanies it. It is a “Living Museum” in AND of itself, because of its architecture. This designation was accomplished by the State of PA as PHMC representatives went through the state and looked for what was historically important enough to put on the NR’s Nomination list. In the Charleroi and Mid Mon-Valley area this was done in 1985-86, at this time the Sec. 106 Review Process (wherein any interested party are consulted with and the history and any other information is accumulated and artifacts, etc. are mitigated) was instituted for anywhere so nominated by the state. At that point - back then, for instance, Charleroi could have begun obtaining grants to restore/preserve, tax credits and any number of things related to converting Charleroi into a National Heritage-Tourism Park and the 2nd step of being officially on the nationally prestigious Register of Historic Places could have been done sooner, and thus, a new industry would have begun long ago. Unfortunately during the years since – much of Charleroi’s best architecture – for one reason or another, has disappeared from its streetscape. Via discussions with Terry Necciai, Heritage & Preservation Architect, the CAHS, Inc. – after due consideration – decided to pay, to them - a substantial sum to have the professional inventory done or what remained and that was accomplished in 2007. The Sec. 106 process was in effect since 1985-86 and the CAHS, Inc. had nothing to do with that, our Society is merely a consultant, and when contacted we work with the inquirer to discover any history/heritage-tourism information pertaining to it. Having the inventory done only added one thing – it made Charleroi’s Historic District ALSO eligible for Federal funding as well as what they were already eligible for, besides being listed with the Department of the Interior/National Park Listing. Anyone wishing to restore/preserve a building in Charleroi’s Historic District are eligible for State & Federal Tax Credits, they are also eligible for Façade grants via the Chamber and possibly more!
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 22:15:49 +0000
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