Heritage Preservation Commission extends 601 West Cherry grant and reviews facades fund balance

The Heritage Preservation Commission voted to extend a previously awarded Historic Signs and Facades grant for work at 601 West Cherry Avenue for one year to allow the homeowners more time to complete work and submit reimbursement documentation.

Commissioner Duffy Westheimer moved to extend the grant for 601 West Cherry (recipients Eric Schafer and Amanda Stan); Commissioner Bernadette Burcham seconded the motion. The commission called the question and approved the extension by unanimous voice vote.

A staff member updating the commission on the grant program reported that the current fiscal-year balance includes approximately $5,000 remaining in the current allocation and that staff plan to move $10,000 into next year's funds; as a result, the next fiscal year would show about $15,000 available in the program. The presenter said the base program allocation is $120,000 and that the city has requested an additional one-time $40,000 in past budgets; that additional allocation is subject to City Council budget decisions each year.

Staff said one potential upcoming application is from the Masonic Temple downtown, which plans substantial window work to improve energy efficiency; staff estimated that the Masonic Temple project could be a large-level application (potentially a $30,000 project requesting $15,000, a "level 2" award) and that staff will notify prospective applicants if smaller, partial grants are available this fiscal year. The presenter also said one currently active project (416 South San Francisco) is pending additional receipts before final closeout and payment.

Ending: Staff will update the commission's tracking spreadsheet and notify interested property owners about remaining funds; commissioners encouraged outreach to owners who may need small repairs so remaining fiscal-year funds are used.