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Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Approve a FA?ADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Grant for Sophia Hibbard at 837 W. MAIN STREET, in the Amount Not to Exceed $5,000.00. (Council District 2)
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BACKGROUND: Sophia Hibbard, owner of 837 W. Main Street, has requested a fa?ade improvement grant of $5,000. The overall fa?ade improvement would be over $12,750 and will include: a) replacement of the top 13 rows of brick, b) the addition of accent limestone brick, c) tuck-pointing of the entire front, as needed, d) replacement of sile-stone entrance step, e) tuck-pointing of chimney, and e) sign anchor reinforcement. (see proposed facade).
The building received a code violation (hearing date July 19) due to a 3 x 4 section of her fa?ade bowing away from the wall-upper, right-hand corner (see current fa?ade). Upon inquiry into the program, Ms. Hibbard was told the fa?ade program does not fund code violation repairs, but rather fa?ade improvements. She explained and demonstrated that her proposed project is an overall fa?ade improvement and well beyond fixing the code violation, whose estimated repair is $2,040.
Sophia Hibbard purchased the building in June of 2009 and has a lease with Las Delicias Mexican Ice Cream Parlor on the first floor, and two residential units on the second floor.
Fa?ade 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 Fa?ade 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 fa?ade improvements. The Program is intended to encourage owners and business tenants of existing properties to restore or renovate their buildings, in order to ...
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