Easement Policy Revised

Landmarks recently revised its Easement Policy in accordance with the Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices, as recommended by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  The Standards and Practices are “ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust.”

Landmarks holds easements on a variety of historic properties throughout western Pennsylvania including single family homes in the Mexican War Streets, historic farms in Greene and Washington County, the Heinz Lofts, Armstrong Cork and the recently restored Bedford Springs Resort to name a few.

Preservation easements are recorded land use agreements in which a property owner voluntarily places restrictions on the building and/or land that maintain the historic or architectural significance of the property.  Preservation easements, therefore, are an important historic preservation tool because they preserve historic buildings in perpetuity.  Donors of preservation easements may also qualify for a federal charitable contribution deduction.