Committee approves $300,000 grant to continue renovation of Moreland Theatre corridor on Buckeye Road

The council committee approved Ordinance 1252 to authorize the director of economic development to enter a grant agreement with Burton Bell Carr Development Inc. (or a designated entity) to partially finance renovation of storefronts and office space associated with the Moreland Theatre on Buckeye Road.

Economic development staff said the Moreland Theatre project is part of a larger corridor restoration that previously received neighborhood transformation funds. Director McNair noted an earlier $102,000 disbursement to allow roof work to begin; the ordinance before the committee would provide an additional $300,000 to continue renovations and act as a catalyst for an arts, innovation and technology district along Buckeye Road.

Joy Johnson, identified in the meeting as executive director (organization name varied in the transcript), described the corridor vision and the theater as an anchor for creating jobs and activating commercial space. Staff also noted a workforce covenant: the contract authorizing legislation requires the recipient to work with the Workforce Investment Board for Workforce Area 3; project planning anticipates creating a minimum of 18 full‑time equivalent jobs linked to corridor work.

Councilwoman Deborah Gray, who has advanced the corridor work, and other members spoke in support. The ordinance was approved by the committee.

The transcript references prior and private funds used to start work and explains the $300,000 is intended to continue renovation efforts; the committee recorded approval of Ordinance 1252.