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Ventnor commissioners back exploring façade-improvement tax-abatement program amid Dollar General plan
Summary
Commissioners discussed creating a two-tier façade-improvement tax-abatement ordinance—micro grants for small signage/awnings and larger abatements for major façade work—prompted by a proposed Dollar General on Ventnor Avenue; staff said assessor input and clear value thresholds will be needed before any ordinance is drafted.
Mayor Tim Bridal proposed a citywide façade-improvement tax-abatement program and presented renderings tied to a proposed Dollar General on Ventnor Avenue, arguing aesthetic upgrades could spur broader downtown investment.
Bridal said the idea would allow building owners who invest in storefront improvements to receive a graduated tax abatement similar to new-construction incentives. "If an ownership on this building makes that kind of investment... they would get a tax abatement," Bridal said, describing a potential structure in which smaller improvements (awnings, signage, paint) would get modest, short-term support while larger rehabilitation projects would qualify for longer abatements.
Commissioner Maria Mento and other staff discussed mechanics and limits. A city staff member reminded the commission that under statute abatements generally require an increase in assessed value and urged involving the tax assessor in drafting the program. "As I read the statute, it has to improve the value of the building," a staff member said, recommending assessor participation to determine what changes would justify an abatement.
The discussion covered alternatives to direct abatements, including special improvement districts (SIDs), grant-seeking and architect-led design reviews. Commissioners debated whether tenants or owners should receive the benefit and whether to adopt a prescriptive "shopping list" of eligible improvements. Bridal proposed a two-tier approach, with a micro tier (examples discussed were roughly $5,000–$10,000 for awnings/signage) and a larger tier for significant façade work that might qualify for multi-year abatements (examples in discussion ranged up to 5–10 years at partial tax relief).
No ordinance was introduced. Commissioners asked staff to draft sample language and gather templates from other cities and to consult the assessor and the VBA (business association) before returning the matter for formal consideration. The commission indicated support to "start to flesh something out and circulate" materials for review.
