Agency approves first amendment to incentive grant for American Legion Hall renovation

The Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency authorized the agency manager to enter a first amendment to an incentive program grant agreement with GMA/JMA properties for renovation work at the former American Legion Hall building at 201 East Second Street. Staff described the project as a successful renovation underway that will provide office and commercial space and said the amendment increases the grant amount marginally from previously authorized smaller grants and remains within the agency's current program ceiling. A board member read a comment from Councilor Ben Ring saying the request fell within the negotiated agreement and the agency's updated program ceiling; Ring expressed support. The board voted to approve the first amendment by voice vote. Staff said the amendment will let the developer continue planned work and that future work for the basement or other phases would come forward as separate agreements under program rules.