[subpixel]

No, I don't think so. I'm not really sure how historic buildings could cause blight.

I know a big "urban renewal (read: slum-clearing) project in Newburgh demolished the historic waterfront in the 60s/70s. Then they never built anything to replace it.

Here's an good overview of the boom/bust: http://www.newburghrevealed.org/historymigration.htm

"One long time resident remarked, "Newburgh was a nice, solid town. Then everything changed. Just like that""

[BrianEatWorld]

Historic buildings can cause blight the way that any building restriction can. They limit supply and raise costs. Historic buildings in particular, affect the ability for new business owners to bring in businesses as well as limiting homeowners.

Another great example of that is Washington DC, which has incredibly strict building limitations and a large number f protected historical buildings, which means that despite massive tourism, the city is largely a slum with millions of workers choosing really long commutes over living in the city.