Stillwater Economic Development Authority approves $15,000 façade grant for Community Escrow

The Stillwater Economic Development Authority voted unanimously to award $15,000 in small-business enhancement assistance to Community Escrow and Title Company for exterior improvements at 623 South Lewis Street.

The trustees approved the grant 4-0 after a staff presentation that said the request is part of the Small Business Enhancement Assistance program and linked to TIF 3. Unidentified staff told trustees the applicant is requesting $15,000 toward a project the applicant lists at about $60,000, and that the advisory committee voted 6-0 on Nov. 11 to recommend approval.

“My name is John Bartley, 623 South Lewis. I am the president and owner of Community Escrow,” said John Bartley, who outlined the planned work. Bartley said the project will replace decking and the front deck railing, bring railing to code, repair or replace roofing, and add lighting to improve safety and security. “The the the grant or the the request we've, applied for, was 15,000. The original project was 60,” he said.

Bartley told trustees the project expanded after a vehicle struck a fire hydrant on Halloween night, damaging landscaping and increasing repair needs. He noted landscaping repairs are not included in the assistance request but said more landscaping will be added when work is complete.

After brief comments expressing support for downtown façade improvements, a trustee moved to approve the small-business enhancement assistance as restated by staff; the amended motion passed 4-0. Earlier in the meeting trustees also approved the consent docket by a 4-0 vote.

The authority adjourned following the vote. No further conditions, deadlines, or funding breakdowns beyond the $15,000 award and the applicant’s stated $60,000 total project cost were recorded in the meeting transcript.