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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend March 15, 2006 The city of Medford is considering a 15-year extension of tax breaks for owners of historic homes in districts such as this one at Geneva Street and Minnesota Avenue. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Giving history a tax break Medford will decide if it will extend relief 15 more years for about 50 historic homes By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune For Elaine Meade, living on Minnesota Avenue in a Medford historic district is not exactly easy street. "I know that it’s very difficult to make changes to my house — it’s kind of a pain," said Meade, 55, whose home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Meade said she has to get refurbishing and landscaping plans approved by the city’s Historic Commission before pulling out a paintbrush. "I’ve done minimal (work), really, but I’ve repainted my house and re-roofed," said Meade, who has lived in the house for 10 years. Meade is one of about 50 homeowners in Medford who receive a 15-year tax break for keeping home renovations to a certain historic standard. Advertisement "I feel like in exchange for that the tax break is great," she said. Thanks to a change approved by the state Legislature last year, owners of historic homes may get another 15 years of tax relief. Owners of historic residential property can apply for a second period of special assessment after April 15 if the local jurisdiction adopts a resolution authorizing the change. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the topic at 7 p.m. Thursday in Council Chambers, City Hall, 411 W. Eighth St., Medford. The state Special Assessment of Historic Property Program, established in 1975, freezes a property’s assessed value for 15 years to encourage preservation of Oregon’s architectural heritage. Previously, second terms were only allowed for commercial buildings. Residential property will be automatically withdrawn from the program upon the property’s sale unless the new owner agrees to the preservation plan in effect. Approval from local jurisdictions is being requested by the State Historic Preservation Office, which manages and administers programs for the protection of the state’s historic and cultural resources. Cathy de Wolfe, chairwoman of the Medford Historic Commission, said the second 15-year period entices property owners to keep the older houses in good condition. "Historic homes sometimes take a lot of maintenance," she said. She said the property has to have a preservation plan approved by the Historic Commission to qualify for the tax savings. The tax freeze isn’t merely a benefit to the property owner, she said, but is a small incentive with a large payoff. "It pays to preserve buildings," she said. "It’s not an economic drain, it’s an economic gain, for homeowners and the community." Meade, who plans to attend Thursday’s public hearing in support of the extension, said the program helps maintain the historic feel of unique neighborhoods in a changing city. "There’s so much business encroaching all around us," she said. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail Giving history a tax break ">[email protected] . About the historic building tax assessment Historic buildings require the following to receive the special tax assessment: The building must be on the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing building in a historic district. A preservation plan must be prepared that outlines substantial rehabilitation work the building will undergo during the 15-year period. There is an application fee equal to one-third of 1 percent of the real market value. A four-hour public open house is required annually. An approved plaque must be installed on the building. State Historic Preservation Office approval is needed for Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Absinthe Supply Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Debt Consolidation California Casinos Generic Viagra Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada King of Spirits Advertisement s Advertisement