One of the constant themes on “06880” — not as popular as entitled drivers and parkers, but then what is? — is real estate.
Specifically: tearing down an old home, or preserving it.
There are valid arguments on both sides of the (picket) fence. But here’s something homeowners considering both options may not know:
Connecticut has a statewide Historic Preservation Office.
And a Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit program.
Normally, you’d have to dig to find that information. But on Saturday, May 20 (10 a.m. to 12 noon, Westport Historical Society), an architectural preservationist for the state will present a workshop on that important topic.
Alyssa Lozupone — whose office is part of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development — will discuss the application process. She’ll describe financial calculations, plus standards for work (including such now-that-I-think-of it questions like “Can I power wash the exterior?”).
Marc Lotti — a former member of Westport’s Historic District Commission — will be there too. He’ll discuss his very successful use of the program to restore his Kings Highway North home.
Marc Lotti’s historically preserved home.
Preservation can be more costly than other alternatives. But ours is one of the few states that offers tax credits for saving historic structures.
Of course, to take advantage you first have to know about them.
Now you do.
(Click here for more information on the May 20 event.)
