EID board approves $26,000 in grants to help downtown property owners repair failing vaults

The Goshen City Economic Improvement District board voted by voice to release $26,000 to seed a grant program to help property owners pay for foundation or sidewalk‑adjacent “vault” repairs that have left several downtown buildings flagged as hazardous. A board member introduced the request after property owner Jeremy Stsman asked whether the EID would open funds to help cover wall costs.

Board members discussed program design, including a flat reimbursement approach that aligns with the existing façade program, prioritizing the 13 properties described as “red,” and capping the EID contribution as a flat amount or percentage. Members repeatedly proposed a $2,000 per‑property payment as a meaningful but limited incentive; the board discussed funding enough to support multiple projects over two budget cycles.

The board discussed coordination with the city’s vault/sidewalk program and agreed applications to the city could be treated as the EID application to reduce duplication. A timeline circulated by staff estimated 180 days from a property owner’s city application to project completion, and the board asked that owners submit by May if they want the work done that calendar year.

After discussion, members moved and seconded a motion to release $26,000 for the vault repair grant program; the motion passed on a voice vote. The board tasked Jason to coordinate with the city and the façade committee, identify the 13 priority property owners, and communicate program details publicly.

The board noted implementation details still need finalization: whether the EID will reimburse after final city inspection, whether façade will administer funds or the EID will write checks directly, and the precise cap/percentage for reimbursements. Members said payments would be conditioned on city permitting and completion.