In January 2002, Preservation Massachusetts took the initiative in forming a network of local, statewide, private and public historic preservation organizations from across the Commonwealth. The formation of the Coalition is the first effort, in recent history, by preservation organizations to actively and formally establish statewide partnerships for the purpose of enhancing and promoting historic preservation issues and ideas and developing strategies for successfully building and maintaining relationships with the more than 30,000 constituents represented by the organizations.
The Coalition members are:
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• Preservation Massachusetts |
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The Coalition meets on a monthly basis at the offices of Preservation Massachusetts in Boston. These meetings offer a unique opportunity for the representative from each group to share his or her preservation experiences and learn from the experiences of others. Whenever possible, the members of the Coalition support one another on local preservation issues through attending conferences, meeting, events and writing letters of support.
Accomplishments of the Coalition include:
- Conception, drafting and passage of the Massachusetts State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit
- Working with a lobbyist to bring our preservation issues and legislative agenda to Beacon Hill
- Advocacy efforts with the disposition of historic religious complexes of the Boston Archdiocese including: a Preservation Tool-Kit for Parish, listing on Preservation Massachusetts 10 Most Endangered and the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered, ongoing efforts of a Religious Properties Subcommittee with focus on similar issues in Springfield Diocese and beyond
- Research into a possible state residential tax credit with ongoing efforts
- Availability and communication infrastructure of strong, staffed, professional preservation organizations
The Coalition is a great resource for anyone in Massachusetts concerned about preservation. Through the alliance of the Preservation Coalition, historic preservation is becoming a well organized and more recognized force in Massachusetts.
