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CV NEWS FEED // The Buffalo, New York, Diocese has announced it will not challenge the historical landmark designation of several churches that are slated for closure.
According to a Buffalo local news report, Joseph Martone, a spokesperson for the Diocese, stated that “it’s always the intention of the diocese that these buildings be preserved moving forward, even as we transition away from ownership for some of these properties.”
The report shares that the Buffalo Preservation Board is set to vote on September 5 on landmark status for four churches: St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Rose, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and St. John Kanty. The Buffalo Common Council will make the final decision within the following month. If approved, these buildings will be protected from demolition, and future owners will be required to maintain their historic features.
The report shared that “Preservation Buffalo Niagara,” a nonprofit, has taken the lead in preparing the landmark applications for the “very beautiful historic churches.”
Preservation Buffalo Niagra’s executive director, Bernice Radle, argued that securing landmark status is also essential to prevent costly demolitions, which could otherwise burden taxpayers.
“It costs over $1,000,000 to demolish a traditional church. It will cost either the City of Buffalo, the county, the building owners, the taxpayers,” Radle told Buffalo local news. “So it’s in our best interest to see that these buildings are safe and protected.”
