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CRA unveils downtown mural plan, soft‑wash pilot and revised façade grant approach
Summary
At a Community Redevelopment Agency meeting the CRA staff reported plans for a downtown mural funded partially by a matching AlachuaArt grant, a soft‑wash cleaning pilot for historic downtown buildings (approximate quote $6,725), and a revised façade grant program with a higher match and simplified reimbursement process.
Staff for the City of Newberry's Community Redevelopment Agency told the CRA board Monday that they are advancing a series of downtown beautification projects, including a mural, a soft‑wash building‑cleaning pilot and changes to the façade grant program.
CRA coordinator Uma Sar Mishta said the downtown mural will be located on the city annex building and staff secured a small matching grant from AlachuaArt (about $2,000). Staff are soliciting local muralists and gallery contacts for proposals and said they will return to the board with artist selections and painted designs; staff suggested routing approvals through the Historic Architectural Review Board if the commissioners prefer.
Chelsea Bekaitis reported that a soft‑wash vendor quoted about $6,725 to clean historic downtown facades; staff will return to property owners with a notice and permission form and follow up with a door-to-door outreach to secure approvals. Bekaitis and staff emphasized the soft‑wash approach is a low-pressure cleaning method intended to remove algae and grime without damaging historic mortar or masonry.
On façade grants, staff recommended increasing the program's matching share to 75 percent and offering partial upfront reimbursement to reduce barriers that previously discouraged applicants. Board members raised concerns about past reimbursement delays; staff said they will review prior cases and streamline the application and reimbursement process.
The CRA board approved the consent agenda and received the program updates; staff said they will finalize contracts and return with project timelines and design renderings.
