Demolitions grab the headlines, but vacancy and neglect pose equally serious threats to historic properties. Newburgh takes pride in its heritage and historic architecture; to counter the threat of demolition by neglect, Newburgh’s Historic Preservation Commission crafted an ordinance that allows officials to enforce maintenance on locally designated properties.

The commission recently placed two historic homes under emergency protection, pending permanent local designation by the Newburgh Town Council. Both properties suffer from years of vacancy and poor maintenance. The emergency protection allows the commission to enforce repairs and halt further neglect.

For more information about the Newburgh Historic Preservation Commission, contact Frank Hijuelos, Director of Planning and Development, 812-853-2728.