The Superior Common Council approved a small business grant of $9,936 for Shamrock Bar and Pizza, located at 5825 Tower Avenue, to fund facade improvements including removal of old windows, blocking off and adding shingles and other exterior work.

Councilors and the planning commission debated whether the project’s proposed treatment of second-story windows would change the building’s appearance in the business district. Planning commissioners ultimately recommended approval by voice vote at a special meeting earlier the same evening; one commissioner noted the grant would cover covering the windows but not their structural removal.

Councilor Ladin explained the item’s timeline: the application was first submitted in May, discussed at a June planning commission meeting, held in committee through July, and then placed on a special planning commission agenda in August so construction could proceed on schedule in September. Councilor Dean moved the grant; Councilor Herrick seconded. The council approved the grant by voice vote.

Councilors and planning staff said the approved grant will allow the contractor to stay on schedule while preserving that the work will be limited to covering the windows rather than removing original window structures.