ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager with a Request to APPROVE a FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Grant for QUAD CITIES CONSOLIDATED at 1919 KNOXVILLE AVE., in an Amount Not to Exceed $5,000.00. (Council District 2)
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BACKGROUND: Quad City Consolidated, LLC has requested a façade improvement grant of $5,000 for their property at 1919 N. Knoxville. The overall façade improvement is estimated at $11,470 and will include the replacement of 18 windows (see proposed rendering). The façade improvement is part of an overall project to locate Affordable Roofing and Gutters to the building.
Mr. Tony LaHood, owner of the building, purchased 1919 Knoxville in September of 2016, and since then, has replaced the roof, removed 21 trees (70 tons), and replaced all the mechanicals in the building. Mr. LaHood, who is also the owner of Affordable Roofing and Gutters, will locate his office and showroom and three employees in the building, upon completion. When the work is to be performed by the applicant itself, a quote for the same work from an independent contractor is required. For this project, the estimate provided by Affordable Roofing and Gutters was lower than the independent contractor quote.
Façade grants are provided on the condition that: a) funds are available, b) proposed improvements are eligible, c) the project is approved by City Council, d) improvements are completed according to an agreement, and e) receipts are verified for reimbursement.
Council has approved a Façade Improvement Program to assist with the revitalization of commercial buildings and neighborhoods. Grants reimbursements for 50% of eligible project cost up to $5,000 per property are made available for façade improvements. 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.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: If approved, the City will reimburse 50% of eligible project cost up to $5,000 and will utilize funds from the East Village Growth Cell TIF District for the Façade Improvement under CIP Project T17000.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Not applicable.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Quad City Consolidated, LLC will have the funds to make the façade improvements and visual enhance the building.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The project may be delayed, reduced, or cancelled.
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. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
2. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Grow employers and jobs.
2. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office