Title
Extension of the College Park University Heights Redevelopment District Façade Grant to 13th Street Corridor (B)
Explanation
The CRA currently has in place a Façade Improvement Program in the College Park University Heights (CPUH) district for the University Avenue corridor. Matching grants of up to $5,000 are offered per building elevation fronting West University Avenue, and applicants with a single business whose façade is greater than 30 feet in width are eligible for $10,000, subject to funding availability. A dollar for dollar match from the building or business owner is required. Eligible expenses for improvements include removing old signs, installing new signs, removing old awnings and the replacement of new awnings, exterior building improvements (such as cleaning, painting, re-pointing of mortar joints, woodwork, window and/or door replacement, other repairs or rebuilding historic storefronts), and fences and landscaping that hide incompatible uses and negative site elements.
Currently, to be eligible for this program, buildings must be located along West University Avenue between West 6th Street and West 13th Street. A business owner on 13th Street has expressed interest in the program's expansion to the 13th Street corridor. Since blighted conditions also exist on the 13th Street corridor, and several properties may benefit from this program, expanding the program would result in the eradication of blight on an additional critical corridor. The CPUH Board discussed this issue at their April 6, 2005 meeting and recommended expansion of the program to the 13th Street corridor that falls within the CPUH district.
Fiscal Note
The CRA has $45,958 remaining in the budget for the Façade Grant Program in the CPUH district. It has spent $59,041 on façade grants to date.
Recommendation
College Park University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board to the CRA: Recommend the expansion of the Façade Grant Program to properties on 13th Street within the College Park University Heights district.