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URA approves facade grants for 124 W. Lewis and 127 S. Second after applicant confirms 50% cost share
Summary
The URA approved facade grants covering up to half of allowable costs for two downtown properties; applicants and board discussed durability, historic-preservation review, and contractor reputation. The board recorded the approvals and will rely on staff to confirm allowable work and final accounting.
The Livingston City Urban Renewal Agency unanimously approved façade grants for two downtown properties—124 West Lewis and 127 South Second—authorizing funding equal to up to half of allowable project costs, subject to staff verification.
Applicant Warren (address given as 310 South H Street) presented photos showing the exterior cement skim coat deteriorating where stone or textured block appears underneath. Board members and staff discussed durability, historic-preservation review and whether the work constituted "like-for-like" replacement. The city planning director said recent practice has been that replacement-in-kind work generally does not require separate Historic Preservation Commission review; changes in material or design would.
Board members also noted the contractor's local reputation. The applicant said the proposed finish matches existing nearby work and that the visible appearance will not change markedly. URA staff confirmed that the application omitted explicit mention of the required 50% applicant cost share, but the applicant told the board he is aware of the 50% requirement; the URA motion approved funding up to half of allowable costs.
Quotes "It would, just be replaced. As of now, it is deteriorating," applicant Warren said, describing the failing skim coat. "If something is being replaced, like, for like, they have not wanted to see those [changes]" the city planning director said, explaining when Historic Preservation Commission review is typically required.
Ending The board approved the grants subject to staff review of eligible costs and final participation agreements. Staff will confirm the applicant's cost share and finalize the reimbursement paperwork once allowable line items are verified.
