Clinton council pledges local support for $650,000 CDBG downtown facade grant

The Clinton City Council voted Jan. 14 to approve a resolution supporting a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for downtown facade improvements, authorizing the city to pledge local funds and to apply for up to $650,000 in federal CDBG funds.

Dan Mobianco (ECIA) presented the required public hearing remarks, describing a proposed application that would target severely deteriorated facades in Clinton’s downtown commercial district, including the Ankeny and State Farm buildings. The application requests a total CDBG award not to exceed $650,000 — $610,000 for construction and $40,000 for grant administration — with the city pledging an estimated $81,250 in local support and property owners expected to contribute an estimated $511,260 in matching costs.

Mobianco said the project area lies within a low- and moderate-income census tract and that HUD/CDBG rules require at least 51% of beneficiaries be LMI. He also noted the project would include federal environmental and historic-preservation reviews; the Ankeny building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and applicants expect to pursue restoration consistent with historic-preservation requirements, including Section 106 review.

Residents at the hearing asked questions about cost-sharing and historic details. Council member Musman moved the resolution approving the CDBG downtown revitalization facade project application and pledging local support; the council voted in favor on roll call. The city will submit the application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority by Jan. 31, 2025, per the presentation.

The resolution authorizes staff to finalize application materials and pledges the local funding identified in the application. If the grant is awarded, federal requirements for procurement, environmental review and historic-preservation compliance will apply.