Council backs CDBG facade-improvement grant application, pledges $25,000 TIF match

The City Council voted to approve staff submittal of a state Community Development Block Grant (Community Enterprise program) application to fund a downtown facade-improvement grant program and to allocate $25,000 of FY24 unallocated TIF funds as the required local cash match.

Jana Richards, Economic Development Director, told the council the city's letter of intent was found eligible and staff documented that about half of the properties in the study area could qualify for facade improvements, including work to improve ADA accessibility, signage and masonry repairs. "We are looking at submitting a full application to the state's community development block program community enterprise grant," Richards said. She said the city is seeking $100,000 from the state program and is proposing $25,000 in local matching funds.

Supporters from the community addressed the council during the public hearing. Cara Romano, director of Heart of Ellsworth, said downtown businesses benefited from a previous iteration of this program and newer owners would welcome help. Jennifer Sala, president of the Ellsworth Historical Society and a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, noted masonry work is costly and encouraged the council to approve the program.

Councilors moved to approve submittal of the application and allocation of the $25,000 TIF match. The motion carried by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally. Staff said the full project discussed with the council totals roughly $188,000 of combined work, with the grant request intended to cover $100,000 and matching amounts to be provided through a mix of village-partnership funds, parklet funding and the TIF allocation.

If the grant application is successful, staff said they expect to form a committee this fall to develop program guidelines, with representation from Heart of Ellsworth, downtown businesses, council members and staff.