Tazewell council approves submission of $1.25 million CDBG façade-improvement application

The Tazewell Town Council voted June 9 to authorize submission of a $1,249,992 application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for a downtown façade-improvement project covering 14 business frontages as presented in the draft proposal.

Council members were told the draft identifies 14 facades, 64% of which the application described as blighted, but staff warned that figure could change as participation agreements are finalized. Town Manager Leanne said staff would continue outreach to property owners before grant submission.

Council discussion focused on the accuracy of property-owner participation and the town’s ability to meet program requirements. After a motion to approve the resolution, the transcript records the motion carried on a 5–1 voice vote.

Mayor Beasley was designated in the resolution to sign all documents related to the application. The council packet included a fact sheet and a public-hearing notice; the council had held a public hearing earlier in the meeting and accepted no substantive public testimony on the item.

If funded, the grant would be administered through the Commonwealth’s competitive CDBG program and would require final participation agreements from business owners before funds could be disbursed.

The council’s action authorizes staff to finalize and submit the application; the transcript shows the vote passed and the town manager will proceed with grant paperwork.

The council’s resolution and the town’s fact sheet are available at town hall upon request.