The city of Salisbury has been designated again as a Certified Local Government in support of North Carolina’s preservation program.
This is the 12th consecutive year in which Salisbury has obtained certification.
The North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office makes the designation.
Through the Certified Local Government program, municipalities are able to increase local preservation involvement and receive technical assistance and grant opportunities.
In seeking the designation, Salisbury Senior Planner Janet Gapen outlined the work of the Salisbury Historic Preservation Commission during 2007.
A review by the State Historic Preservation Office found Salisbury fulfills four basic responsibilities necessary for continued participation in the program.
Those areas include enforcing state and local legislation for the designation and protection of historic resources, having a system for survey and inventory of historic properties, providing for adequate public participation in the historic preservation program and reviewing National Register nominations through a qualified local historic preservation commission.
Mary Ruffin Hanbury, Certified Local Government coordinator, said in comments back to Gapen: “We commend the Salisbury Historic Preservation Commission for its incentive grants program, its special legislation prohibiting demolition in the Downtown Local Historic District, presentation to the board of Realtors and Preservation Month activities.
“This activity serves and benefits the community and builds support for the value of preservation.”
To retain the designation, Salisbury also must meet specific requirements in the Guidelines for North Carolina’s Certified Local Government Program.
At least two Historic Preservation Commission members and the staff are required to attend an educational and informational meeting pertaining to preservation or the work of the commission each year.
Gapen’s report said four staff and seven commission members attended educational meetings during 2007.
“The residents of Salisbury have inherited a rich architecture, filled with a historic legacy of rich cultural value,” Mayor Susan Kluttz said. “We commend the outstanding work of our Historic Preservation Commission and their consistent dedication to our city.
“By protecting and preserving these historic sites and structures, we ensure that a vital part of our local heritage will remain intact for future generations.”