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Urban Renewal agency approves downtown grants for restaurant conversion and hazardous-tree removal
Summary
The Monmouth Urban Renewal Agency approved a $15,000 grant to remodel 159 Main Street West into a combined restaurant and farm-stand and authorized up to $5,150 toward hazardous-tree removal and sidewalk repairs at 207 Main Street West to support downtown redevelopment.
The Monmouth Urban Renewal Agency voted Jan. 6 to approve two small downtown grants designed to spur building improvements and make the Main Street corridor more usable for businesses and pedestrians.
The first approval funds remodeling at 159 Main Street West, the former Maui Melts location, where applicants plan a roughly 600-square-foot combined restaurant and farm-stand. Community Economic Development Director Suzanne Deffner told the agency the total project estimate is $91,813 and the applicant requested $15,000. Applicant Eden Olsen of Lucky Crow Farm said the space will include about 31 seats and space for local produce and products. "We’re thinking college students, low-income community members — really a space where everyone can have lunch and afford to do that," Lindsay Darling, the chef applicant, said.
Council members and agency board members noted the project aligns with the downtown master plan and could use alley/parklet space for outdoor seating if the applicant negotiates an encroachment agreement and liability release.
The agency next approved a grant to remove two very large trees and repair adjacent sidewalks at 207 Main Street West. Staff presented contractor estimates and advised that removing both trees together yields a discounted price; the agency approved up to one-half of eligible expenses not to exceed $5,150 (the cost would be $4,750 if the discount applies). Deffner said the work is intended to eliminate trip hazards and structural root damage that could affect future redevelopment of the corner building.
Both motions passed by roll call votes. Deffner said the urban renewal fund appropriation for the fiscal year includes $45,000 for grant awards and that the approved grants fit within the current budget.
Next steps: applicants will finalize contractor bids and encroachment agreements as needed. The grants provide partial reimbursement or assistance for eligible expenses; the agency will track expenditures and the projects’ progress.
