Elyria committee backs $18,000 downtown facade improvement at 140–148 Middle Avenue

Elyria’s community development and finance committees voted Monday to recommend legislation authorizing a downtown facade improvement program application for exterior work at properties addressed 140–148 Middle Avenue.

The recommendation grew from a presentation by Community Development Manager Alma Bayad and a project pitch by Eric Scalise, managing partner of 140 Bridal Ave, LLC, who asked the city to leverage the existing grant program to repaint and make minor masonry and window repairs on two adjacent buildings. "We are looking to leverage the grant program in place to repaint the buildings that were mentioned," Scalise told the committee.

The application covers two buildings that together include Erie Island on the first floor of one, a neighboring storefront housing Mystical Moon, and an empty storefront. Bayad told the committee the application was reviewed and approved by the city economic development committee on April 7, 2025. The total project cost is $18,000 with an eligible reimbursement of $9,000, Bayad said. Law Director Deery requested parcel numbers to assist in drafting legislation; Bayad confirmed the project covers parcels at 140, 142, 144, 146 and 148 Middle Avenue.

Scalise described the work as painting, concrete repairs, fascia and window repairs and tuckpointing where masonry is deteriorated. He estimated the project would take "between 5 to 7 days" and said the only anticipated disruption would be the rental of a lift to reach upper areas: "maximum would be 48 hour disruption, but they're confident that...painting can be done within 24 hours." Scalise also said the team obtained two quotes and selected the lower bid, which reduced the earlier estimate from $28,000 to $18,000.

Committee members sought practical details. Council members asked about coordinating work with downtown events and potential sidewalk or lane adjustments; Director Panowski offered to coordinate and provide assistance when the applicant is ready. Committee members also raised surface prep and paint durability: Scalise said the scope includes scraping loose paint to avoid quick failure and that he would provide paint specifications to the city. Councilwoman Saworka recommended considering a graffiti-resistant additive for the paint.

The committee report read that the economic development committee approved the application on April 7, 2025, and the community development committee moved to recommend legislation; the motion (moved by Mr. Oswald, seconded by Mrs. Mitchell) carried on votes by both committees. The committees asked staff to draft the authorizing legislation for council consideration.

The committees closed the item by wishing the applicant success and encouraged coordination with city staff before work begins.