Abatement of real property taxes on structures of historical
or architectural merit in the Town of Woodbury may be allowed, in
whole or in part, pursuant to the authority of C.G.S. § 12-127a.
Structures shall be classified as having historical or architectural
merit if they demonstrate significant historical or architectural
value to the community, as determined in all cases by the Old Woodbury
Historical Society. In cases where such a structure lies within an
historic district, the Woodbury Historic District Commission must
also concur that such structure demonstrates significant historical
or architectural value to the community.
Such tax abatement shall be available to the owners of real
property which is so classified if it can be shown to the satisfaction
of the Town of Woodbury Board of Selectmen that the real property
is not primarily used for residential and/or commercial purposes and
the current level of taxation is a material factor which threatens
the continued existence of the structure, necessitating either its
demolition or remodeling in a manner which destroys the historical
or architectural value. If, after taxes on such structure have been
abated under the terms of this article, such structure is demolished
or remodeled in a way which destroys its architectural or historical
value, the then owner shall pay to the municipality an amount equal
to the total amount of taxes which had been abated under the provisions
of this article.
The Town of Woodbury may enter into contracts with the state
for financial assistance reimbursing the Town for all or part of any
tax abatement granted to the owner of a structure of historical or
architectural merit in accordance with this article; provided, however,
that such reimbursement by the state need not be a condition of any
tax abatement hereunder.