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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend March 17, 2006 Medford City Council extends tax assessment By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune When city crews were poised to pave over the cobblestones of Geneva Street 36 years ago, Everett Cade spearheaded efforts to keep the old surface intact. "Geneva Street is still a cobblestone street and it’s still there," Cade said to the Medford City Council Thursday. Cade still is striving to preserve the neighborhood’s historic charm, this time with the extension of a special tax break. "I think it’s a prideful area of Medford and I hope to preserve it," he said. Cade was among about 20 residents who applauded Thursday when the council authorized a second 15-year period of special property tax assessment for qualified historic residential properties. Advertisement Thanks to a change approved by the state Legislature last year, owners of historic homes can apply for another 15 years of tax relief for home renovations. "This bill was in front of my committee," State Rep. Sal Esquivel told the council. "I do hope you adopt this." 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. 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. There are several requirements for a site to qualify for the special tax assessment: the residence must be on the National Register of Historic Places; a preservation plan must be approved by the Medford Historic Commission, and exterior and interior work must be approved by the State Historic Preservation Office. Bruce Bauer of Geneva Street said renovating an historic home isn’t a typical remodel job. "Many contractors shy away from these projects because there’s many restrictions put on them," he said. After several homeowners urged the council to authorize the extension, Councilman Skip Knight said he was impressed by the group’s enthusiasm, but was wondering if they had the impression the council was against the tax break extension. "I think you’re preaching to the choir," he said. Cathy de Wolfe, chairwoman of the Medford Historic Commission, told the council that the extension of the tax break will also inspire homeowners to get their homes on the national register. "This incentive is needed," she said. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail Medford City Council extends tax assessment ">[email protected] . 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