ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Community Development Director with a Request to Approve the FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM for the WAREHOUSE DISTRICT and FIRST DISTRICT.
Body
BACKGROUND: City staff developed a Façade Improvement Program encompassing two commercial corridors in order to improve the area's physical characteristics through the enhancement of the aesthetics and attractiveness of the commercial properties. These improvements will increase the community pride of the adjacent neighborhoods and encourage business recruitment and expansion in the area. The overall impact of the Façade Improvement Program will further promote the area as a gateway into the City.
Eligible Properties
Warehouse District Façade Program
· Property must be located in the Warehouse District TIF.
First District Façade Program
· Property along Adams or Washington Streets from Western Avenue southwest to the City Limits.
· Property on Western Avenue, south of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Property must be zoned for and operate under commercial, mixed-use or industrial. Eligible applicants will include owners of commercial property within the District. The businesses who are tenants of commercial buildings in the District are also eligible to participate in the Façade Improvement Program, if the property owner's consent is shown in writing.
The Program will be funded by a 50/50 split between the applicant and the City of Peoria. The City's contribution (grant assistance) may not exceed 50% of the total cost of improvements to each property or five-thousand dollars ($5,000), whichever is less.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funding for both programs is included in the Community Investment Plan. Housing Solutions Demonstration Program, CIP project E14003, will fund the $50,000 First District Façade Program. Warehouse District Façade Program, CIP project T14004, will also fund $50,000.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Neighborhood appearance will improve.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Commercial and mixed-use properties located in the Southern Gateway and along Western Avenue will be eligible for City assistance for façade improvements to renovate and restore their buildings.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The Façade Improvement Program will not be executed.
ALTERNATIVES: None are recommended.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Not Applicable.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL'S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
2. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Grow employers and jobs.
2. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development