Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
CRA approves $25,000 commercial enhancement grant for 406 North Chrome Avenue with conditions
Summary
The CRA approved up to $25,000 in commercial enhancement grant funding for 406 North Chrome Avenue, requiring a minimum 10% owner match and including conditions for lighting, dumpster enclosure screening and consideration of interior reinstallation of security bars if code allows.
The City of Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency approved a commercial enhancement grant of up to $25,000 for improvements at 406 North Chrome Avenue, the CRA’s first such grant application of the fiscal year.
CRA Director described the grant program and said it reimburses up to $25,000 for qualified improvements and requires a minimum 10% owner match. Eligible expenses the director listed for this project include parking-lot resurfacing and striping, power washing, exterior painting, landscaping (minimum six trees, 8-foot height at installation and groundcover shrubs), dumpster-enclosure repairs and other visible street-facing improvements. Staff noted reimbursements are paid only after work is complete and permits have closed.
A property owner who identified himself as Rickman (from 406 North Farm Avenue) said he could remove exterior security bars and reinstall them on the interior glass if code permits; he explained exterior bars were installed after an earlier break-in. Board members pressed for additional aesthetics and safety measures: removal or interior relocation of exterior bars (subject to building/code review), installation of screening material for the rear chain-link dumpster enclosure, and lighting improvements that meet county code without producing excessive glare onto Chrome Avenue. Board member Amala clarified that roof replacement is not covered by the grant and the owner confirmed understanding.
Staff recommended approving the grant of up to $25,000 with the discussed improvements and a recommendation that the board reserve the discretion to waive the two-year waiting period for a subsequent grant to fund impact windows and doors. Vice Chairwoman Bailey moved to approve; Board Member Amala seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition recorded.
Staff indicated there is no additional, parallel grant available at this time, but suggested a phased approach would allow the owner to seek further funding later. The board asked staff to return for follow-up after permits are closed and work is complete, and to consider whether an exception to any waiting period would be appropriate to support additional safety/aesthetic upgrades such as impact windows.
