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Downtown streetscape, storefront grants and DORA move forward under Appalachian grant timeline
Summary
City Manager Barnett updated council on Appalachian Community Grant-funded streetscape and storefront improvement projects, mapping a phased timeline and announcing near-ready implementation of a downtown DORA program.
City Manager Barnett told council the City of Geneva is implementing projects funded through a roughly $2.6 million Appalachian Community Grant program, split into phased work that will focus on Depot Street and include storm-line repairs before final paving. Barnett said planners have presented to the planning commission, the city arborist will be consulted and soil testing is underway at several municipal lots.
Storefront improvement grants are in application and review. Barnett said roughly 20 applicants had applied and that the city had sent the application and agreement to Eastgate, the program manager, for its signature; staff expected to issue materials to applicants within the week.
Barnett said both project components must be complete by October 2026 under the grant timeline. He also reported the city's DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area) program is nearly ready: boundary signs are installed, six businesses have signed on, and the city will provide an initial box of branded cups to the Geneva Business Association for distribution. Barnett said QR-code maps and decals are ready and staff expect to launch the DORA within one to two weeks for participating businesses.
Barnett also reported work restarting on a parks master plan (an eight-month consultant engagement with public meetings) and that an urban forestry grant has been reopened and the city has requested a one-year extension. He reminded residents the city's spring cleanup is scheduled for May 3 and that Waste Management will not pick up unwrapped mattresses or furniture unless wrapped.
Council members thanked staff and the Geneva Business Association volunteers for outreach work. The city manager said staff will post project updates and timelines to improve public information about construction and grant milestones.
