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• NEW ORLEANS 35th NATIONAL PRESERVATION CONFERENCE The New Federal Reality There will be an emphasis in the future on the role of local government in Historic Preservation as well as the increased role of citizens. National Register - the eligibility will be changing. As yet, there are no Federal Regulations out but they are expected in November. Supposedly, in the future red tape will be cut so that more can be done at the state level and the SHPO's role will be clarified. Key Issues for 1982 - how to escape dependency on Federal money, how to escape dependency on acquisition and development grants and rely on the Investment tax credit program, and how to win local battles with less help from the state and the National Trust. Helen Boosalis, the President of the Conference on Mayors stressed that we let our mayors know what our priorities are. She indicated that aids to local preservationists include: UDAG, Community Development grants, zoning, property tax abatements, easements, and increase volunteerism. She suggested that we at the local level get printed information on the new tax act to Developers and Realtors. In her town, Lincoln, Nebraska, workshops were held with these groups to explain the new tax act. Administering a Historic District In some cities, the Historic Preservation Commission Director and Inspector are deputized and can issue citations for violations without a Certificate of Appropriateness. The owner then pays a fine. The importance of planning ahead was stressed, in order to avoid correcting after the fact. If you think our meetings are long, the New York City Commission meets once a month at 9:30 a.m. and often has to stay until 9 or 10 p.m!!! Working with Developers The importance of a compromise with a rational basis was stressed. It was agreed that conflict is okay but that it must be managed or the community loses. Also stressed was the importance of treating similar projects equally in case a legal question arises. It has been found that there is a respect for preservation when it can be shown to be economically viable. New Programs and Publications A National Association o Preservation Commissions has been formed. A new publication, the Preservation Law Reporter will be available beginning in January. A prepublication issue was distributed at the conference. A new film (10 to 12 minutes) is available on Main Street Signage. A Preservation Tax Incentives Conference will be held in Chicago in March, 1981. It will cover topics such as: an explanation of the new act, a comparison with the old tax act, case studies, the certification process, obtaining National Register designation, and the tax benefits of easements. C]