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Monticello approves series of building-improvement grants for downtown properties
Summary
The Monticello City Council approved a slate of redevelopment grants for local businesses and nonprofit properties, continuing a multi-year program to fund façade, roof and sign work; the council approved eight projects and moved one back for revision.
Monticello — The City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve a series of redevelopment grants that will reimburse building owners for façade, roof, mechanical and signage improvements across downtown and nearby commercial corridors.
Kelli, the city’s economic development staff member, told the council the review committee received nine applications in this “fall round” and recommended eight for funding; one application was returned for revision and may return to the council at a later meeting. The approved projects include work at 1412 N. Market St. (Willow Branch Kennel Inc.), property on Thousand Innovation Parkway (Thouarno LLC), 122 N. Charter St. (Parent Tom Inc., building that houses Subway), 226 W. Livingston St. (Viovan Products LLC), 315 W. Washington St. (T & R Ventures LLC, historic “Red House”), 6 N. Market St. (Monticello Theater Association), 314 W. Bridge St. (mower shop) and 315 W. Main St. (Jackson Property Development).
The council voted to reimburse 50% of eligible project costs up to program caps cited by staff — most recommended awards were up to $10,000, with one award capped at $15,000 and one cap at $8,060 for a smaller project. Kelli provided project cost estimates supplied by applicants: Willow Branch Kennel (just under $40,000, requested signage, A/C units, roof recoating and painting), Thouarno (about $22,488 for warehouse heaters), Parent Tom Inc. (about $32,000 for exterior plaster replacement), Viovan Products (signage work; committee noted the company will celebrate its 90th year next year), T & R Ventures (roof, gutters, masonry and siding, estimated $16,120), Monticello Theater Association (about $3,279 for garage doors and interior framing), mower shop (roof replacement estimated $13,451), and Jackson Property Development (front brick wall reconstruction, windows and doors, estimated $68,000). The council approved each ordinance in separate roll-call votes; staff recorded affirmative votes by council members present.
Kelli said the grants program has supported 49 grants over five years, representing roughly $433,000 in public investment and more than $1.7 million in private investment for a total near $2.1 million. The Monticello Theater Association asked the council to consider covering full project costs; a council member moved that idea but staff said the current budget and program rules do not allow that without identifying alternate funds. The council did not amend the recommended award levels.
The redevelopment agreements approved are standard reimbursement-style grants: owners complete work and request reimbursement up to the program limits. The council’s approvals were unanimous on roll call. No additional conditions or timelines for completion were announced at the meeting.
Background: City staff said the program prioritizes projects that preserve historic character; one applicant worked with the Historic Preservation Commission on design details. The council has used the same 50% matching structure for multiple recent rounds, with caps intended to stretch limited budget dollars across more projects.
