N.Y. Parks Rec. & Hist. Preserv. Law § 11.01
The existence of irreplaceable historic resources which give character and distinction to our communities and to the state are threatened by the forces of change. Accordingly, it is necessary and desirable to coordinate historic preservation.
Such historic preservation should involve, among others, historians, architects, educators, planners, realtors, public and private agencies at all levels of government and in the private sector, and should involve all levels of government.
The state government should assist local government and cooperate with the national government for such purposes.
It is the purpose of this chapter to continue and encourage historic preservation programs and activities and to vest responsibility for the coordination of such programs and activities in the commissioner of parks and recreation.
N.Y. Parks Rec. and Hist. Preserv. Law § 11.01