Council extends ARPA-funded historic-preservation grant deadlines for multiple downtown projects

The Geneva City Council approved a series of first amendments to economic development incentive agreements, extending completion deadlines for multiple America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded historic preservation and adaptive-reuse projects to Dec. 31, 2025.

City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins told the council the city previously allocated ARPA funds for 11 projects under a historic-preservation and adaptive-reuse grant program; four projects have been completed and reimbursed, and the remaining projects are progressing but are not expected to be finished by an earlier city-imposed date. Dawkins said the extensions will help ensure the projects can be completed and reimbursed without risking return of obligated ARPA funds to the federal government. The council approved separate resolutions for each project, and each requires the mayor's vote as corporate authority.

The resolutions extend completion dates for projects including properties owned by the Charles F. Sansone revocable trust at 214–218 West State Street, 220–222 West State Street, and 306–318 West State Street; Goodlove LLC at 101 South Third Street; and Honeybird at 427 East State Street, among others. Staff said federal guidance requires obligated funds by Dec. 31, 2024 and allows expenditure deadlines into 2026; the extensions to Dec. 31, 2025 are within the city's flexibility to help developers finish work.

Each resolution (2025-94 through 2025-98) was approved by roll call with 11 affirmative votes and 0 nays. Staff said if projects fail to meet the extended date, the matter would return to council for further action.