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Belvidere approves $27,373 in façade grants to support downtown improvements
Summary
After receiving 12 applications requesting about $48,219, staff recommended awards totaling $27,373 across nine properties; council approved the staff recommendations to allocate the available façade grant funds funded by video‑gaming revenue.
City planning staff told council that the downtown façade grant cycle drew 12 applications requesting a total of roughly $48,219; fund availability from video‑gaming revenue capped awards at $27,373 for this cycle.
Miss Del Rose explained staff and the Historic Preservation Commission evaluated applications for project eligibility, past awards, owner investment and visual impact to State Street. She recommended awards for nine properties (detailed by address and recommended amounts in the staff packet) and noted the program is governed by an ordinance that sets a 50/50 reimbursement structure with a typical cap of $5,000 (and up to $7,500 for properties wider than 50 feet).
Council moved to adopt the staff recommendations. Alderman Peterson moved the motion and Alderman McGee seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff will notify applicants and coordinate award agreements and timelines for completion under the existing six‑month project window in the ordinance.
Council members discussed program mechanics including how to handle applicants that previously received awards but did not use them and whether the 50% match should be increased; staff explained the ordinance fixes the normal 50/50 reimbursement and that repeat non‑utilizing applicants would risk losing funding if they fail again.
