Title
Resolution Authorizing the Establishment of an East Greensboro Curb Appeal Grant Program and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with East Market Street Community Development Corporation (EMSDC) to Administer the Program
Body
Department: Planning
Council District: 1 and 2
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Sue Schwartz, FAICP 373-2149
Contact 2 and Phone: Russ Clegg, AICP 373-2211
PURPOSE:
Resolution establishing a curb appeal grant program and associated funding to be administered by the East Market Street Community Development Corporation (EMSDC). The goal of this program is to provide matching grants as an incentive to improve the facades and appearance of existing businesses in East Greensboro.
BACKGROUND:
The proposed curb appeal grant program implements several recommendations from the East Greensboro Study Committee Summary Report adopted by City Council on August 3, 2015.
These include:
• Establish an incentive program to direct private investment to priority locations
• Expand the scope and focus of the East Market Street CDC to all of East Greensboro
• Landscape and beautify gateways and key corridors
• Implement a “Curb Appeal by the Block” program
The program would provide matching grants for exterior improvements such as masonry cleaning, cornice restoration and parking lot renovations and interior up-fits. EMSDC presented this program at a City Council work session in February of 2015 and to the East Greensboro Study Committee in April 2015. A description of the program is attached.
The program is proposed to run for a period of seven years, during which a total of no more than $25,000 may be awarded to an individual property. Matching grants for signage upgrades will be limited to $2,500 or 50% of the total costs, whichever is less. To be eligible for the program, the applicant must own the property or have written consent from the property owner authorizing the proposed improvements.
EMSDC is proposed to serve as the program administrator, receiving and screen applications before submittal to the City to consider for award. Program participants would be reimbursed by the City once the work and payments are verified. This item was referred to Council by the Infrastructure Committee.
BUDGET IMPACT:
It is estimated that $75,000 will be requested at a later date to establish the program.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of the attached resolution establishing the East Greensboro curb appeal program and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with East Market Street Community Development Corporation (EMSDC) to administer the program.