Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Midlothian CDC presents downtown facade‑improvement pilot: 50/50 grants up to $25,000 per project
Summary
Midlothian Community Development Corporation described a pilot facade‑improvement grant that offers 50/50 matching reimbursements up to $25,000 per applicant with $125,000 allocated for the pilot through Sept. 30; priority will be given to downtown, sales‑tax generating businesses.
Midlothian’s Community Development Corporation (MCDC) briefed the City Council on a new facade‑improvement grant pilot at the May 20 meeting. The program offers matching grants to property owners and tenants to renovate or restore commercial building facades, with a maximum reimbursement of $25,000 per applicant and a $125,000 allocation for the pilot year.
MCDC representative Melissa said the program is a 50/50 matching grant: eligible applicants must complete exterior improvements, submit receipts and pass a final walkthrough to receive reimbursement. Eligible work can include signage, lighting, accessibility improvements and other facade elements; priority in this first round will be downtown businesses that are sales‑tax drivers.
The pilot is set to run through Sept. 30 of this year, Melissa said, with staff and the MCDC board reviewing results before recommending continuation or additional funding for the following fiscal year. Applicants must comply with all applicable state and local laws, permits, building codes and zoning requirements; the program also requires improvements to be compatible with the building’s character and city standards. The application requires detailed descriptions and supporting materials, and MCDC said it will use a subcommittee review process with cut‑off dates tied to board meetings.
Council members asked about specifics: the maximum grant per applicant ($25,000), total pilot budget ($125,000), a preference for downtown and sales‑tax‑generating businesses, and an allowance to include accessibility improvements. Melissa noted the program is reimbursement‑based and that applicants will have one year to complete the work after approval.
The MCDC presentation said the program aligns with the corporation’s five‑year plan objectives of downtown revitalization and small‑business support; staff described the item as informational and non‑actionable for this meeting.
Ending: Council members asked staff to track interest and report back after the pilot period so the board can recommend whether to continue or expand the program.
