ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Approve a FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Grant for 101 N. MACARTHUR HIGHWAY, in the Amount of $5,000.00. (District 1)
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BACKGROUND: As a part of the revitalization of the First District, Council approved a Façade Improvement program which provides a grant of no more than $5,000 per property for improvements to properties within the designated boundaries. The Program is intended to encourage owners and business tenants of existing properties to restore or renovate their buildings, in order to improve the area's physical character and enhance the aesthetics of the commercial environment.
To receive this grant, applicants must meet all City requirements including approval from City Council, make the improvements, and submit receipts for reimbursement of 50% of eligible expenditures in an amount not to exceed $5,000.
The NAACP Peoria Branch has requested a façade improvement grant for the property at 101 N MacArthur Highway. The improvement will be a new mural designed and painted by a local artist. The local artist, R. Rashad Reed, created the mural on Western Avenue last year.
The applicant has submitted for a zoning certificate for the mural. Any conditions set forth by the Community Development Department will be satisfied by the completion of the mural. The Façade Review Committee did not have any comments on the project.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: If approved, the City will reimburse the NAACP Peoria Branch $5,000 (50% of the total project cost), from funding available in the First District Façade Improvement CIP project E14003.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: The NAACP Peoria Branch and artist have shared the renderings with the community and received support for the mural.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The NAACP Peoria Branch will have the funding needed to proceed and mural will be drawn. This will assist with revitalization efforts in the First District.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The NAACP Peoria Branch would not receive the funding for the project and funding may not be available for the mural.
ALTERNATIVES: None
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: To be issued prior to reimbursement.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL'S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office