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Council approves downtown grants for Clippers salon and Elk of Monroe restaurant
Summary
Monroe City Council approved downtown incentive grants for Clippers (a salon/retail tenant) and Elk of Monroe (a new restaurant), totaling roughly $8,598 for Clippers and up to $19,000 in combined eligible grants for Elk of Monroe.
The Monroe City Council approved several downtown incentive grants during its public‑hearing phase on Tuesday, awarding assistance aimed at storefront improvements, tenant upfits and short‑term rent subsidy for small, downtown businesses.
Clippers, a combined salon and retail business at 215 East Franklin Street owned by Mike and Carol Jones, was approved for a Pronto incentive grant in the amount of $8,598. Staff said the grant breaks down to $4,299 in upfit assistance and $4,299 in rent subsidy (based on 1,433 square feet at $3 per square foot), and funds are limited by program rules. Staff explained that rent subsidies are paid quarterly for the first year after documentation is provided; upfit assistance is paid in staged payments over three years.
Jason Hill, owner of Elk of Monroe at 301 East Franklin Street, was approved for a bundle of downtown incentives: a Pronto upfit/rent subsidy package sized to the business (staff said the Pronto grant is limited to $10,000 and estimated a $6,875 upfit amount and elected $3,125 in rent subsidy to reach the $10,000 cap), a façade matching grant not to exceed $4,000 (reimbursement after invoices and inspection), and a Meet Me Downtown marketing grant up to $5,000 (50/50 match and requires prior approval and use of city logo on marketing). Staff noted Elk of Monroe has a 10‑year lease with renewal options and that the owner is making a considerable investment in building improvements; the owner said a target opening is this fall.
Council action: motions to approve the Clippers Pronto grant and the Elk of Monroe incentive package were moved, seconded and carried by voice/hand votes. The resolutions and budget amendments to appropriate funds were approved and the mayor was authorized to execute the necessary documents.
Staff explained grant payment schedules and reimbursement requirements for each program and said the Downtown Advisory Board recommended approval for both applications. There were no speakers in opposition during the public hearings for these items.
