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CULTURAL RESOURCES
PLANNING ISSUE
Though many of the county’s
historic properties are
preserved and well-
maintained, this has not
prevented many other historic
homes, barns, and commercial
buildings from being
demolished every year.
Historic Resources
Scenic Roads and Vistas
Libraries
Arts and Culture
Historic Resources
The preservation of Montgomery County’s historic
buildings and settings not only maintains the county’s
unique heritage but also creates new opportunities for these
sites to become 21st century destinations. From boroughs
that sprang up around railroad depots to homes where
George Washington (literally) slept, the county has a
compelling history that shines through these many
resources.
Historic Resource Surveys and Inventories
Several surveys and resulting inventories of historic
resources have been conducted over the last several decades.
In 1975, the Montgomery County Planning Commission
published the Inventory of Historic and Cultural Resources,
an inventory of historic resources then considered to be
significant, but did not include documentation of all
buildings 50 years old or older. A follow-up survey of
historic resources in some municipalities was conducted in
1986. More recent surveys have been prepared by the
Conservancy of Montgomery County, a nonprofit
preservation organization. And as part of their own historic
preservation initiatives, local municipalities or local historic
societies ranging from Lower Merion to Schwenksville have
conducted historic resource surveys.
Historic Districts
Many of the county’s municipalities have established
historic districts to maintain additional controls over local
historic sites. Pennsylvania law allows historic districts to
be established in two ways: (1) as a historic preservation
ordinance/district within a municipal zoning ordinance
under the state’s Act 247 (the Municipalities Planning Code)
or (2) historic preservation ordinances/districts overseen by
a Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) as
authorized under Act 167 (the Local Historic District Act) of
1961. Generally, districts established under Act 167 have
the strictest standards, are more complex, and require more
time and expertise than those authorized by Act 247.
Regardless of the method, municipalities have the right to
establish historic districts
and to regulate the erection,
What’s New
•
In June 2012, Pennsylvania became the 30
th
state in
the nation to have a historic state tax credit. The
Historic Preservation Incentive Act will be a
companion to the very successful federal tax credit
program. This program offers a 25% state tax credit
for the rehabilitation of historic structures also using
the existing 20% federal tax credit.
•
The county has many historic preservation success
stories. Springfield’s Black Horse Inn was in active
use through much of the 20th century but was sold to
a developer who had plans to develop this site into a
CVS. With much support from the local community,
Springfield Township took ownership of this
property in 2004 and began restoration work.
•
Much controversy arose over the recent teardown of
La Ronda property, in Lower Merion Township.
After being sold to a new owner, the property was
razed in the fall of 2009, despite much public
outcry. Although an excellent example of
Mediterranean Revival architecture, this site lacked
Class I designation under the township’s historic
ordinance, which left no legal remedies to prevent
this teardown once the township’s 90-day teardown
moratorium expired.
Springfield Township’s Black Horse Inn
