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Redevelopment Authority creates Uptown Facade Grant pilot to fund exterior storefront improvements
Summary
The Kenosha Redevelopment Authority approved a CIP amendment to create a pilot Uptown Facade Grant, reallocating $50,000 to offer matching grants up to $10,000 per business for exterior improvements; staff outlined eligibility, excluded categories and an application-to-reimbursement process.
The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kenosha on Sept. 4 approved a resolution to create an Uptown Facade Grant pilot program and amended the Capital Improvement Program to fund it with a $50,000 transfer from a general acquisition account.
A staff member presenting the proposal said the pilot would provide matching grants of up to $10,000 per business for exterior facade improvements, including “windows, awnings, doors, lighting, landscaping, fencing, signage, siding, painting, and or masonry work.” The staff member said the program is intended to target commercial properties in the Uptown 4 project area and nearby commercial corridors.
Staff listed ineligible applicants and activities: properties with tax delinquency, outstanding repair orders or unresolved zoning issues; residential properties and home‑based businesses; national franchises; liquor stores; payday lenders; and smoke, vape and tobacco shops. The staff member said properties outside the defined Uptown boundary would also be ineligible.
The application process, as presented, begins with a site visit scheduled through staff, followed by completion of the attached application form. Staff will review and score each application and bring recommendations back to the Redevelopment Authority for approval or denial. The staff member said payment is by reimbursement: after inspection, awardees submit invoices and proof of payment.
Authority members asked how applications would be prioritized. Staff said scoring is individual and applications will be time‑stamped; the program will operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis with staff scoring before bringing recommendations to the Authority. A committee member said the program is modest but useful and urged staff to refine the map that defines eligible properties.
A motion to approve the resolution passed on a voice vote.
Next steps: staff said they will notify Uptown building and business owners by mail, coordinate a social media outreach post with the mayor’s office and bring scored applications to future Redevelopment Authority meetings for approval. If the pilot succeeds, staff said additional funds could be added.
