Trust for Architectural Easements Supports Allenhurst Residential Historic District

July 28, 2009 - PRLog -- “The National Register of Historic Places is the federal program that provides public recognition of our nation’s historic resources, whether architectural, cultural, or archaeological,” said Steve McClain, president of the Trust for Architectural Easements. “Listing a historic district is important because, in addition to honoring an area’s history, it means consideration of the district in the planning for federal undertakings and eligibility for federal tax benefits.”

Representatives of the Trust for Architectural Easements, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit organizations dedicated to voluntary preservation through easement donations, joined Nancy Zerbe, president and founder of Arch2, Inc., a New Jersey-based preservation consulting firm to present the potential Allenhurst Residential Historic District to Allenhurst community members. Many residents attended the meetings, held on July 15th at the Allenhurst Borough Hall. The Trust is funding the necessary documentation, and has been working closely with Nancy Zerbe to secure the nomination.

Allenhurst reflects the history of development from a rural area to a suburb of New York City. In 1895, the 120-acre Allen farm was bought by the Coast Land Improvement Company, under the direction of Edwin P. Benjamin and James Ralston, in order to plan and build an exclusive resort community to attract upper class summer residents.  Benjamin immediately began making improvements to the property and dividing the land into lots.  The proximity of Allenhurst to the rail line was significant in the growth and popularity of Allenhurst, allowing residents of New York City easier access to the community.

The July 15th meetings provided residents the opportunity to ask questions and comment on the listing. The rights of owners in the district would not be curtailed by listing, but some federal tax benefits would become available if the district is listed in the National Register.  Federal tax benefits include tax credits for substantial rehabilitation of income-producing properties and tax deductions for the donation of historic preservation easements.  Listing would also afford some protection from federally licensed, permitted, or funded projects that would adversely affect properties in the proposed Allenhurst Residential Historic District.

The Trust for Architectural Easements protects more than 800 historic buildings across the United States. For more information about the proposed nomination of the Allenhurst Residential Historic District, the Trust’s local preservation efforts, the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Program and the donation process, contact the Trust at 1-888-831-2107 or visit www.architecturaltrust.org.

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The Trust for Architectural Easements is one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations dedicated to voluntary preservation through easement donations. The Trust protects more than 800 historic buildings across the United States.