Misinformation and the Mills Act
* I read with interest the letter by James Buchanan of Orange regarding “Designation Is Not Quite Historic” (Aug. 9).
Unfortunately, Buchanan has been misinformed about the Old Towne Historic District as it relates to the Mills Act availability.
Not all buildings within the Historic District qualify for Mills Act property tax relief. The building must be a “contributing” house to the State and Federal Registers. Simply, any building built after 1940 is not eligible. The moneys not contributed to the tax assessor must be accounted for in the preservation of the building, so I do not consider it newfound wealth.
Most of us who have purchased a historic building in Old Towne Orange did so with the desire to keep the integrity of this quaint and unique neighborhood intact.
I personally have no visions of gaining wealth from it. On the contrary, I have a vivid realization that money is needed to maintain this old house.
FRED GILLETT
Orange
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