Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development Downtown topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oskaloosa council approves CORE downtown improvement grant program with $50,000 cap
Summary
Council approved a CORE Downtown Improvement Grant Program offering up to $50,000 reimbursement for qualifying exterior building improvements with owner match requirements; staff and council discussed eligibility for vacant buildings and agreement terms.
The Oskaloosa City Council on Nov. 3 approved a resolution to advertise the CORE (Downtown Improvement Grant) program, which offers up to $50,000 in reimbursements for qualifying exterior improvements to existing downtown buildings.
Under the program plan presented to council, most eligible work requires a 50% owner match; architectural and engineering services would require a 20% owner match. Grant applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of city staff, Chamber staff and Main Street staff, which will recommend awards to the council. Staff recommended advertising the program and beginning to accept applications.
During discussion, council members asked whether grants could be used on vacant buildings and whether recipients would be required to occupy or lease the property within a certain period. Staff said the program does not bar funds from being used on vacant buildings but does require commercial use on the first floor and will include an agreement with recipients; the intent is to encourage building rehabilitation that leads toward occupancy and economic activity. Council members said $50,000 may be a modest cap for some rehab projects but agreed it is a useful start to spur incremental repairs and facade work.
Brian Myers, speaking for Main Street, thanked the council and described upcoming downtown events (a Nov. 22 lighting ceremony and a Dec. 6 Light of Christmas parade) and noted Main Street’s outreach to building owners. The council approved the resolution to advertise the CORE program by roll call.
Staff will post program materials and begin accepting applications after the advertising step; council indicated the intention to require agreements and to coordinate review with Main Street and the Chamber.
