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Livingston URA approves grant to convert space at Empire Theater into a long‑term rental
Summary
The Livingston Urban Renewal Agency approved a residential rehabilitation grant to help convert space at the Empire Theater into one long‑term rental unit; staff recommended a 50% award and board members said the project should expand downtown housing even without deed‑restricted affordability.
The Livingston Urban Renewal Agency voted unanimously March 24 to award a residential rehabilitation grant to support conversion of space at the Empire Theater into a long‑term rental unit.
Staff recommended the URA approve a 50% grant for the project at 106 North 2nd Street after reviewing the proposed improvements. According to the staff presentation, the overall project cost is "slightly less than $67,000," and the staff report lists a recommended grant amount of $33,427; the motion on the floor recorded the award as "not to exceed $33,247." The board approved the motion by roll call (4–0).
Why it matters: board members said adding even a single unit downtown helps the local rental market and supports downtown vitality. Staff told the board the program — adopted in 2023 — allows grants up to $250,000 but that smaller projects typically draw fewer contractual requirements. The applicant did not propose a deed‑restricted affordability covenant, and staff said the URA can require compliance documents or an owner participation agreement on larger awards but had not pursued that for this smaller grant.
What was said: Andrew Feltenstein, co‑owner of the Empire Theater, spoke in support of the application and described the building as a 1930s historic property that needs extensive work. "We're doing our best to restore it," Feltenstein said, and added the owners intend to keep the unit affordable "but I don't know what that means yet" as the work is just beginning. Staff said the URA can request leases or other compliance documents after project completion to verify long‑term rental status.
Board reaction and next steps: commissioners expressed broad support for the project as a modest, workforce‑oriented unit that should not become a luxury conversion. Several members said staff would pursue stronger contractual terms for larger grants in the future. The board did not specify an ongoing monitoring schedule in the motion; board members noted staff retains authority to request compliance materials under the program guidelines.
The award is the URA's first residential rehabilitation grant under the 2023 program; the applicant is expected to proceed with the reimbursable work and submit receipts for reimbursement per program rules.
