Rep. Ujvagi Pushes Tax Credit to Save Historic Public Buildings
This in via email from the office State Representative Peter Ujvagi:
Rep. Ujvagi Pushes Tax Credit to Save Historic Public Buildings
Money Could Be Used to Preserve Old Courthouses
COLUMBUS – State Representative Peter Ujvagi (D-Toledo) would like to see Ohio counties have the opportunity to save historic public buildings from the wrecking ball. He introduced a bill this week that offers tax credits to offset the cost of rehabilitating these structures.
“This is an important economic development tool for communities where a public historic building is important for both the neighborhood’s history and its economic revitalization,” Rep. Ujvagi said. “It would be a shame to lose landmarks to the history books, especially when they can become the centerpiece for a town’s economic development.”
Rep. Ujvagi’s bill would allow up to five Ohio counties to qualify for historic public building tax credit projects. There would be a $2 million ceiling on the amount of money spent on each renovation. His proposal modifies the state historic tax credit passed by the 126th General Assembly.
“There are precious few funding options or other incentives to preserve 19th-century courthouses or other buildings that serve the public,” Rep. Ujvagi noted. “This legislation designates a very small portion of the state’s historic tax credit for the use of public historic buildings. In some cases, this credit may tip the scale to preserving rather than demolishing our venerable symbols of county government.”
Seneca County is currently attempting to save its historic courthouse building. Constructed in 1884, the structure will likely be demolished unless it can be repaired and restored. Seneca County Commissioners Ben Nutter and Mike Bridinger both support Representative Ujvagi’s proposal and say they will lobby for its passage in the General Assembly.
The tax credit approach has been used successfully to rehabilitate a number of county courthouses in Kansas.
House Bill 455 now awaits hearings in the House Ways and Means Committee.
Would the Fiberglas Tower on St. Clair & Jefferson be covered under this bill?
February 1st, 2008 at 2:46 pm(1) “Historic building” means a building, including its structural components, that is located in this state and that is either individually listed on the national register of historic places under 16 U.S.C. 470a, located in a registered historic district, and certified by the state historic preservation officer as being of historic significance to the district, or is individually listed as a historic landmark designated by a local government certified under 16 U.S.C. 470a(c).
That’s what it states from the bill, so if the Fiberglass Tower met that description, it would appear it would qualify.
February 1st, 2008 at 4:42 pmPeter….This bill needs FAST TRACK through committee and gets to the floor of the house ASAP. I hope a companion bill will be introduced in the Senate. See if Feder will do that. The Seneca County Court House comes to mind as stated above. I have been in Tiffin many times and to think that a few idiots would think of destroying history is absurd. All 88 Court Houses in Ohio MUST BE PRESERVED no matter what the cost
Thanks for your time and consideration in this bill….
Mike Friedman
February 1st, 2008 at 11:00 pmFriedman said: “All 88 Court Houses in Ohio MUST BE PRESERVED no matter what the cost”.
This is a fiscally irresponsible. How could you make such a broad and sweeping statement? Friedman, were you waving your arms when you made that pronouncement?
Your entire speech up there seems a bit egotistical, Friedman.
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:44 amNot Again, you are really beginning to become a pest and an annoyance, and I really don’t like people like you. Every time I make a progressive statement in this blog you jump on me.
I am sure you will be the Neo-Con to rail against passage of the 3/4 percent income tax for Toledo’s future. Toledo is a wonderful place to live and rase a family. Its passage is necessary to continue vital services to this community, so I hope you jump on board in support of its renewal, If not move down to Georgia and live with the Rev Floyd Rose.
Oh, by the way “Not Again” I am very thick skinned and pests like you really don’t bother me. I have been called worse by alot better than you. I have been in politics working my first election in 1960 for Jack Kennedy, so I really know how to play the game. Hey, You have my real name, whats yours, Lets get together and have a debate. We can have Lisa set it up and I can get the chance to really blister your hide.
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:19 amWell Friedman, it is quite easy to annoy you. I seem to have gotten under your skin with very little effort. Maybe it is your old age making you cranky, but I do wich you would try to control your anger.
I would never go against the renewal. Funny how you lump me with Rose though. You two kooks, politically speaking, are like two peas in a pod.
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:41 amFriedman said: “Hey, You have my real name, whats yours, Lets get together and have a debate. We can have Lisa set it up and I can get the chance to really blister your hide.”
Ok Friedman, I have had a talk with my people. The debate you want is on. I have only one condition. The TV network will have to be Fox News. I will not make myself appear on CNN. Besides, the will be 3 times as many veiwers on Fox News.
I’ll have my people contact you Friedman.
February 2nd, 2008 at 10:09 amI am sure that Hanity or O’Riley will be the moderator….CBS with Dan Rather as moderator will be fine for me….Or better yet Lou Dobbs so I can really cut you on Free Trade, and you know how much I hate free trade and outsoursing, and so does Lou Dobbs….
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pmI like Combs. He may not be fair be it would make for a level playing field.
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pmIs it cost effective to restore and maintain these structures?
Given the budget problems we face with the slowing economy and mortgage melt down, is it wise to be offering tax incentives to restore and maintain aging buildings when newer buildings are more efficient and cost effective.
February 2nd, 2008 at 4:38 pmNo question about it NC. If a building needs updating. Reasonble people should evaluate if it is cost effective to update, or build a new more energy efficient and cost effect building. Seems like a no brainer to me, too.
This seems like a silly ranting to me.
Friedman said:
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm“All 88 Court Houses in Ohio MUST BE PRESERVED no matter what the cost”.
A more realistic evaluation of the statement would be, lunacy. To be honest, I reckon.
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:54 pmFriedman said:
“All 88 Court Houses in Ohio MUST BE PRESERVED no matter what the cost”.
First of all, How can I take my grandchildren to a new structure and show them what history is all about. Some things are ment to be preserved, like court houses. Why don’t you go up to Greenfield Village and Henry Ford in Detroit and see history first hand or is that too much culture for you….Not Again….You need to grab your ears and give a pull
February 2nd, 2008 at 10:16 pmYou need to get real Friedman, this isn’t the old days of Henry Ford buddy, you need to get a clue; and graduate to the real world. Your pie in the sky tax and spend ways are dated.
February 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 pmFriedman said:
“All 88 Court Houses in Ohio MUST BE PRESERVED no matter what the cost”.
Freidman, will you not even respond to #10 above, or are you just a control freak? Your way or the highway, ehh?
February 2nd, 2008 at 11:21 pmConcerning #10. I agree about new structures, but historical ones should be preserved like court houses, and I am not a control freak. I believe in advice and concent, and an exchange of ideas, but republicans and neo-conservatives are to stupid to be included in this group. We liberals believe in helping people, not big business and may I remind you that Mobil-Exxon Oil earned 41.6 BILLION dollars last year on the backs of US auto owners and drivers around the world. I am sure this is OK with you and your George “Dubya” Bush loving friends. 354 more days and our national nightmare will be over, and that president you love so much who was SELECTED NOT elected will be out of office on his way back to that dump he owns in Crawford, Texas.
February 3rd, 2008 at 1:19 am“I agree about new structures, but historical ones should be preserved like court houses,”
Some court houses maybe do deserve to be preserved but with the materials they are made of the heating and cooling costs are very expensive.
I am looking at the issue as one of cost effectiveness versus preserving remants of our past and we cannot save all of history, except in photos and so on.
There are discussions about the economy turning downward and all the other problems and now comes a proposal for a tax credit for economic development related to the court houses.
I cannot help but wonder what the interest from people versus the cost of the rehab is. Unlike the Henry Ford, admission to the court houses is not charged.
February 3rd, 2008 at 6:03 amI’ll tell you what, Micheal, why don’t you contribute your own money for the preservation of these eighty eight buildings and free up the money you want “set aside” for these structures for these lean economic times.
I’m just not seeing you taking your grandchildren to each courthouse and visiting every room, rather wandering around the outside and perhaps a room or two inside. At the Henry Ford Museum, for example, they have displays with facilities which have been razed which are “preserved” for all to enjoy.
With the facilities such as the Henry Ford Museum available to take your grandchildren to, there are many more opportunities to share with your grandchildren your experiences with a vast array of vintage environments you could bestow your “Jack Kennedy years” stories associated with each display.
Must be all that thick skin keeping the blood from getting to his brain, I swear.
February 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 amFreidman, I think it is safe to say, you can kiss good bye, your candidacy for State Central Committeeman 2nd Senate District.
February 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 amNow that’s not fair.
He is entitled to his opinion of how these buildings should be spared, but I have a problem with his passion clouding his judgement on attacking posters that share a different view.
Granted his postion isn’t realistic in the long term, his views on GW warrant some respect and therefore his opinion based on how he feels this courthouse issue should be resolved should not be used to judge his platform.
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:10 amHis postion to spend otherwise needed funds on refurbishing courthouses is a part of his platform.
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 amNo, Not Again, he’s running for the Democratic Party position of State Central Committeeman, he will be elected by Democrats and will be representing Democrats when it comes to issues that the State Democratic Party would be voting on such as endorsements, charter issues, etc. Unless the Ohio Democratic Party makes it part of their state platform to support historic CourtHouses, it’s very unlikely this would come up. Nor would he be in a position to make funding decisions when it comes to what the General Assembly does beyond doing exactly what he’s done here, urge support.
I’m not sure you have a realistic idea of what it is that a State Central Committeeman does.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:03 am“Nor would he be in a position to make funding decisions when it comes to what the General Assembly does beyond doing exactly what he’s done here, urge support.”
This is exactly why I don’t want him on the committee. He will try to use his influence to push his lamebrained schemes.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:19 am“…he’s running for the Democratic Party position of State Central Committeeman…
I think I said that in post 19. If you are trying to discredit what I say, at least try to make it clear cut.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:23 amUnless you decide to register as a Democrat for the primary, and live in the second Senate district, you aren’t in a position to vote for him or his opponent. Given his record of election to party positions? It’s pretty clear he’s gotten Democratic support in the past and will this time as well.
His positions while you may disagree with them, are consistent with some of the membership of the Democratic Party on a local and a state and a national basis.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:25 amNot Again, I’m not trying to discredit you at all, it just does not seem as if you are clear as to what the responsibilities are given some of the statements you’ve made as you and Mr. Friedman have had your myriad of exchanges.
Precinct chairs and State Committee Members are typically voted on based on their knowledge of the party and their ability to work with the party, help the party grow, elect Democrats, etc.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:30 amThis is exactly why I don’t want a guy like this in a position of power. Regardless of his or my district, state of country, I reserve the right to disagree with the characters positions, including the hairbrained idea of funding refurbishing of all Ohio couthouse regardless of its’ cost.
Now every citizen in Ohio has a stake in this, relative to this guy pushing this or any other kooky scheme. Not just Democrats. Trying to shun me from disagreeing with this guy based on what my party afflilitaion may or might not be, to me is censorship.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:38 amNot Again, surely you jest, I’ve never shunned you nor would I ever. I’ve given the various debates quite a bit of latitude even when they have gone off topic from the original post, as in this case which was about historical buildings. All I was doing was trying to make sure you and others that read this understand we are not talking about a legislative position where there is some expectation of non-partisan representation that the position Mr. Friedman is running for is a partisan one for the Democratic Party.
You’ve made your opposition to his candidacy more than clear, and I have never censored anyone, with the exception of spammers, even when they hijack threads that were on something that many of us felt were important and turned them into personal debating zones.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:47 amTime for some perspective. Of course, the statement “All 88 Court Houses in Ohio MUST BE PRESERVED no matter what the cost” strains credulity at the very least. I’m sure there are some instances in which preserving buildings makes sense, but I’m never in favor of such a blanket statement.
Lisa makes a good point about Mr. Friedman running for State Central Committeeman 2nd Senate District. It is, by and large, only important to Democrats, especially in the 2nd Senate District. As a Democrat, one should investigate Mr. Friedman’s resume and accomplishments with regard to electing Democrats, especially in his area, Springfield Township. Many persons hold positions within the Democratic Party, and do little to actually help elect Democrats. Within the party, they are sometimes referred to as placeholders.
It is on this basis that Mr. Friedman’s candidacy should be judged. State Central Committee is not a position in which he would have any responsibility for making budgetary decisions for the State of Ohio, which was left in sad shape for Strickland after 16 years of Republican tax and spend policies which has driven business out of our state.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:56 amJust Wondering & Lisa Renee….Thank you for your support. I work part time for a Dental Lab and travel to most county seats in northwest Ohio and I see all the beautiful court houses in this wonderful state, and to think that some day the wrecking ball would tear them down is mind bogling. Williams, Henry, Wood & Lucas are beautiful stately buildings and you can just feel the history from them. The first time I saw the Wood County Courthouse, well it took the breath right out of me. The clock tower is awesome, and the Williams County Court House in Bryan looks like a castle or a chess piece, it to is breath taking. I have a very good friend (A Republican) and mayor of Deshler, Ohio, The Hon Leroy Caplinger, and that is about the only thing he and I agree on is the preservation of court houses, and at what ever cost.
February 3rd, 2008 at 11:40 amConcerning my run for State Central Committeman for the 2nd Senate district. I will do everything possible to see that State Party Chairman Chris Redfern is retained as State Party Chairman. He is doing an outstanding job and must be retained. Please remember that he put together a winning ticket in 2006 that turned Ohio BLUE. Further, I will attend every meeting called on by the Chairman. Yes, too many elected officials to positions like this are only place holders, and I will NOT be one of those. The people of the 2nd Senate District only deserve the very best and total respect from their State Central Committee members, and by electing me, you will have it from your State Central Committeeman.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:19 am