Preservation Greensboro News
Guilford Commission Achieves CLG Status
11 July 2006 - The Guilford County Historic Preservation Commission has been recognized as a member of the Certified Local Government Program (CLG). This status means the Commission is recognized as a proactive and well-managed program that maintains high standards of involvement and decision-making. "This takes them to the next level," says Julie Curry, Preservation Planner for Guilford County. "With this recognition, the federal and state government will provide valuable technical assistance and small matching grants."
The CLG designation is granted by the United States Department of the Interior of the National Park Service, under the provision of the National Historic Preservation Act. The review process included an application involving the Commission and staff, county government and the State Historic Preservation Office.
Currently in Guilford County, two other commissions have been certified. Both the Greensboro Historic Preservation Commission and the High Point Preservation Commission have participated in the program since 1988 and 1996 respectively. Guilford County Historic Preservation Commission chairman Benjamin Briggs welcomes the National Park Service recognition. "This really brings all three commissions in the county under a single CLG standard, and opens the possibility to partnerships and joint projects," he stated. "I am glad the Park Service and the state have been pleased with the strong work that has been done."
The CLG Program integrates local governments with the national historic preservation program through activities that strengthen decision-making regarding historic places at the local level. Because local planning office staff often play key roles in CLG projects, the thread of historic preservation becomes woven into the fabric of local land-use policy. Local governments collect and analyze information on the location and significance of archeological and historic properties for use by preservation commissions and by local, county, and state agencies. Using grants awarded by state and federal governments, CLGs may produce historic theme or context studies, cultural resource inventories, assessments of properties to determine their eligibility for local and National Register of Historic Places designation, building reuse and feasibility studies, design guidelines and conservation ordinances, and publications to educate the public about the benefits of historic preservation.
Since 1985, more than $40 million in federal grants has been allocated to the Certified Local Government program and 1,228 local governments currently participate in the program nationwide.
The Guilford County Historic Preservation Commission is a quasi-judicial board composed of volunteers appointed by elected officials. Established in 1980 as a recommendation of the Guilford Bicentennial Commission, the Board oversees 82 historic landmark properties throughout the county and promotes conservation of historic resources for the enjoyment of all citizens.