PIQUA — The city of Piqua was confirmed this week as a Certified Local Government (CLG) by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service and the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office.
According to a city news release, Piqua is now one of 78 communities in Ohio to earn this designation, with Tipp City being the only other CLG within Miami County.
Piqua Community Services Director Kyle Hinkelman led the CLG application effort, which will bring attention and resources to the community.
“Becoming a Certified Local Government allows the city of Piqua to have additional funding and technical assistance available to the historic preservation efforts of the community,” Hinkelman said. “This designation will support the city’s active efforts to protect, redevelop, and enhance our historic downtown character.”
As part of the CLG process, Piqua created a City Historic Review Commission (CHRC), which reviews applications regarding the appropriateness of modifications to the Piqua Historic District and designates buildings as local landmarks.
“The goal of having the designation of the city of Piqua as a CLG is to provide additional opportunities for developers to restore buildings in downtown Piqua,” said City Manager Paul Oberdorfer. “We are hopeful to see projects utilize State Historic Tax Credits and other financial tools to protect and revitalize our beautiful historic structures.”
Megan J. Brown, acting CLG coordinator and chief state, tribal, local plans and grants for the U.S. Department of the Interior, issued the letter on Sept. 23 confirming Piqua’s certification in the program under the National Historic Preservation Act.
“We welcome the city of Piqua as a local partner in the Federal Preservation Program and look forward to working with them to preserve what makes their community special and significant,” Brown said.
For additional information about the CLG program and local efforts, visit the city of Piqua website at piquaoh.gov/chrc or contact Hinkelman at 937-778-2049.
