Established by the Gates Town Board on April 3, 2000, the five-member, non-compensated commission acts in an advisory capacity on all matters of historic preservation within the town. According to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Historical Preservation Commission can make recommendations relative to historic preservation, but the Gates Town Board has to approve an historical landmark.

Goals of the Historical Preservation Board are as follows:

• Protect and enhance historic landmarks in the Town of Gates
• Foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past
• Protect and enhance the attractiveness of the Town of Gates
• Ensure orderly and efficient growth and development in the Town of Gates
• Stabilize and improve property values
• Foster, encourage and advise the preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of structures