Code of Maine Rules › 94 - INDEPENDENT AGENCIES › 089 - HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND MAINE STATE MUSEUM › Chapter 815 - HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVOLVING LOAN FUND › Section 089-815-6 - EVALUATION CRITERIA

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. In accordance
				with the criteria in 5 MRSA 13056-F(5), the Commission shall evaluate and seek
				to fund those proposals that best meet its historic preservation priorities for
				the State and region and that support its economic and community development
				and enhancement priorities. The criteria are explained as follows:
A.
The level of historic or
				architectural significance
. Factors that shall be considered in
				determining an EHP's level of historic or architectural significance shall
				include but not be limited to its importance to the history, architecture,
				archaeology, engineering, or culture of a community, the state, or the nation.
				If not already established in a National Register of Historic Places Nomination
				Form, the significance of the property will be determined by the Director using
				guidance published by the National Park Service. Properties that are not
				eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places cannot be EHPs
				for purposes of the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund.
B.
The value with respect to historic
				preservation and rehabilitation
. Factors that shall be considered in
				determining the value of an EHP with respect to historic preservation and
				rehabilitation shall include but not be limited to its significance; its
				location relative to other historic properties (e.g. is it part of an historic
				district or a complex of historically and functionally related buildings?); its
				potential to act as a catalyst for other historic preservation and
				rehabilitation activities; its historic and/or cultural affiliation with other
				historic properties in the region; and whether it is a rare or unique resource
				in the region or state.
C.
The degree to which the property is endangered
. Factors that shall
				be considered in demonstrating the degree to which an EHP is endangered shall
				include but not be limited to an evaluation of physical evidence that documents
				current structural conditions (including previous structural repairs,
				conditions assessments by preservation engineers or other qualified
				professionals, etc.); a review of the history of previous attempts to preserve
				the property; the threat of imminent demolition and/or destruction of the
				property's character defining features or physical setting; and in the case of
				an archaeological site, the threat of ground disturbance that could preclude
				future excavation and the recovery of information from it.
D.
The economic significance to the
				immediate vicinity and to the State
. Factors that shall be considered in
				demonstrating the economic significance of preserving an EHP to the immediate
				vicinity and to the State shall include but not be limited to its potential to
				increase local property tax revenue when rehabilitated; its potential to
				attract other revenue and investment; its potential to stimulate additional
				historic rehabilitation activity; and its potential to directly or indirectly
				foster job creation or retention.
E.
The value with respect to downtown
				revitalization, open space conservation or other public purposes
.
				Factors that shall be considered in demonstrating the value of preserving an
				EHP with respect to downtown revitalization, open space conservation or other
				public purposes shall include but not be limited to the economic and business
				climate of the downtown; the viability of long-term re-use plans; the potential
				impact on surrounding properties; the extent to which open space and/or
				cultural landscape(s) will be preserved as part of or in concert with the EHP
				and its proposed use; whether the EHP is in an area affected or threatened by
				sprawl; the types of proposed use, services or businesses to be offered within
				the EHP and related open space (e.g. do they serve a local need? How will they
				affect the cultural landscape and/or archaeological sites?); and the degree of
				public support for preservation of the EHP and/or the overall conservation and
				use plan.
F.
The
				availability at fair market value
. The availability of the EHP at fair
				market value shall be determined by comparison of the acquisition price with
				the appraised value of the property by a Certified Real Estate Appraiser;
G.
The degree to which the
				property is available below fair market value
. The degree to which the
				EHP is available below fair market value shall be determined by comparison of
				the acquisition price with the appraised value of the property by a Certified
				Real Estate Appraiser;
H.
The potential marketability
. Factors that shall be considered in
				ascertaining the potential marketability of the EHP shall include but not be
				limited to an assessment of the property's marketability by a Licensed Real
				Estate Professional, taking into account the fact that the property will be
				offered for sale with a Preservation Easement or Covenant; the location of the
				property and the status of the surrounding real estate market; an evaluation of
				potential appropriate uses of the EHP; and the advertising and promotion
				strategy.
I.
The feasibility
				of rehabilitation or restoration and reuse
. Factors that shall be
				considered in demonstrating the feasibility of rehabilitating or restoring and
				reusing the EHP shall include but not be limited to whether it is adaptable in
				a manner consistent with local zoning and modern needs/uses; its condition
				(e.g. can the building be occupied in its current state, and if not, can the QO
				stabilize the building or otherwise mitigate hazardous conditions to facilitate
				its sale?); and its accessibility to public right-of-ways, services, and
				infrastructure.
J.
The value
				of the proposed property with respect to tourism promotion and
				development
. Factors that shall be considered in measuring the value of
				preserving the EHP with respect to tourism promotion and development shall
				include but not be limited to its potential appeal to out-of state travelers;
				how it fits into an overall tourism development plan; and how its preservation
				will preserve or enhance the visual and physical character of a
				community.
K.
The degree of
				community support
. Factors that shall be considered in evaluating the
				degree of support for preserving an EHP shall include but not be limited to the
				endorsement of municipal governments and their officials; endorsements and/or
				other past or current efforts by local or regional organizations involved in
				history or historic preservation to preserve the EHP; the support of other
				local or regional institutions or organizations (such as local or regional
				planning agencies, chambers of commerce, recreational or social clubs, etc.);
				the support of local businesses and citizens.
L.
The extent to which the proposed
				project involves partnerships or meets multiple criteria
. Factors that
				shall be considered in evaluating the extent to which the preservation of EHP
				involves partnerships shall include but not be limited to documentation that
				shows financial or other in-kind materials or services that have been pledged
				or provided by private, non-profit or governmental entities or individuals to
				support the project; the extent to which public access to the EHP will be
				ensured, and the types of public use to be allowed when it is sold by the
				QO.