CRA board backs quick pilot to fund outdoor seating and small exterior improvements for Millville businesses

CRA members discussed a fast‑track approach to small exterior improvements — such as decks, outdoor seating and string lights — for Millville businesses and encouraged staff to treat the proposals as one‑off grants rather than a large new program. A board member described two local examples: a Thai restaurant seeking to build a deck across two parking spaces and a tire shop with an adjacent outdoor area that could be cleaned up and expanded. The board favored a full reimbursement model that avoids lengthy permitting or design requirements for small, incremental work and emphasized that the CRA should prioritize projects that are visible, improve sidewalks or public space, and can be implemented quickly. Staff noted that while formal programs have benefits, the CRA can also make one‑off expenditures for projects it deems appropriate. Board members asked staff to prepare a short, simple reimbursement policy and bring it back for a vote at an upcoming CRA meeting rather than creating a large bureaucratic program. No grant approvals were finalized at the workshop. Staff will draft the quick reimbursement policy, consider simple eligibility criteria and return with recommended language and a timeline.