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Board Approves $5,000 Buy-up Grant for Proposed Intimate-apparel Shop at 58 Merchant’s Row
Summary
The Board of Aldermen approved a $5,000 buy-up grant for Jessica Mazzarello’s proposed retail store at 58 Merchant’s Row after the RRA recommended the award; applicant absent due to a family medical issue.
The Rutland City Board of Aldermen on June 2 approved a $5,000 buy-up grant to fund renovations and inventory for a proposed retail business at 58 Merchant’s Row in downtown Rutland.
Jessica Mazzarello, the applicant, is planning an intimate-apparel and contemporary footwear store; the application states she has committed more than $35,000 of personal investment toward renovation, inventory and a point-of-sale system. Rebecca Langore, owner of Fruition, spoke to the board on Mazzarello’s behalf; Mazzarello was not present due to a family medical matter.
Why it matters: The grant comes from the city’s small-business buy-up program administered by the Rutland Redevelopment Authority (RRA) and Downtown Rutland Partnership (DRP). The RRA recommended the grant; aldermen voted to suspend the rules to take the matter up that night and approved the $5,000 award by voice vote.
Board action: Alderman Taddeo moved to suspend the rules so the application could be heard; the motion carried by voice vote. Taddeo then moved to approve the $5,000 buy-up grant to “Bella Lucia’s” (application spelling recorded as Bella Lucia in packet); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
What was not decided: The grant award was approved in open session; the applicant’s absence was recorded and no additional conditions were placed on the award at the meeting. The city will proceed with the grant per the RRA recommendation and the application materials included in the board packet.
Ending: Board members asked clarifying questions about the storefront location; aldermen and staff said they would follow up as needed with the applicant and the RRA.
