Council delays action on Jim & Tom’s facade grant to seek sign plans, staff to follow up

The Lockport City Council discussed a façade and site-improvement grant application from Jim & Tom’s Automotive at 900 East Ninth Street and agreed to keep the item as an action item so staff can follow up with the applicant about a proposed monument sign.

Why it matters: The city’s façade program offers matching funds to encourage building improvements on Ninth Street. Staff said the program allows a 50% match up to $20,000 per street façade and $10,000 for site improvements, with a $50,000 cap per property; the Jim & Tom application totals $21,283.50 in eligible reimbursement under that framework.

Details: Staff said the applicant applied for siding replacement, painting of existing wood trim and construction of a trash enclosure on the east side of the building. Bids were included in the council packet, and staff said the applicant is eligible for $21,283.50 under program rules.

Council questions and direction: Several council members said they wished the applicant would include a monument sign as part of the project to improve visibility for the automotive business; staff said the applicant had not submitted a sign request and that the applicant appeared not to prioritize a sign in his current budget. One council member suggested delaying to allow the applicant to appear in person and answer questions; staff noted that winter weather could preclude construction if the matter were delayed too long, and offered to accept a later separate application for a sign if needed.

Next steps: The council agreed to move the item to an action item on a future meeting agenda and asked staff to reach out to the applicant to clarify sign plans and budget constraints before final approval so improvements can proceed this season if feasible.