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Waukesha Landmarks Commission allocates paint-and-repair grants, keeps $25,000 program total and adds SHPO/County pre-review
Summary
Commissioners approved several paint-and-repair grants and kept a $25,000 program pool; staff said future awards will be conditional on Waukesha County and SHPO pre-approval to ensure federal compliance.
The Waukesha Landmarks Commission on Wednesday approved a string of paint-and-repair grants and discussed tighter pre-approval steps after staff reported the city's fund total for the year.
Charlie, the commission's staff contact, told members the program has $25,000 available this year and $350 carried over from incomplete 2024 projects. He said county and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) review will now be required ahead of grant disbursement so recipients meet eligibility rules tied to federal funding.
Commissioners debated whether to award grants at 15% or 20% of project cost and emphasized stretching limited funds to help more homeowners. The commission ultimately adopted a conservative approach and approved a series of awards by voice vote:
- 311 McCall Street (roof replacement): $2,595 paint-and-repair grant approved (motion by Commissioner Matt Retzak; seconded and passed). - 242 North Hartwell (gutter replacement; estimated cost $27,150): approved at the program maximum of $3,000. - 134 West Laflin (porch replacement): approved a $1,971 grant (15% calculation) pending staff's preliminary checks. - 201 West Laflin (storm windows and sills; estimate $14,335.92): approved a $2,150 grant (15% rule) conditional on staff review.
Charlie told the commission the grants must now be conditioned on both county and SHPO compliance review and that staff will compile and submit required documentation (e.g., floodplain/airport/wetland checks) before final disbursement. "You'll need to make approvals conditional on approval by Waukesha County and the SHPO compliance," Charlie said.
Commissioners said prioritizing smaller award percentages helps assist more households this season while preserving funds for later applicants. The commission directed staff to continue expedited review where applicants provide contractor details and to return any applications that require fuller plans.
