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Redevelopment Commission approves up to $30,000 facade grant for Gizzy Dogs, pending updated application
Summary
The Auburn Redevelopment Commission voted June 2 to approve up to $30,000 in facade grant funds for Gizzy Dogs, contingent on an updated application that includes the building's rear street-facing exterior; commissioners raised concerns about whether interior work and electrical conduit qualify and noted a six-month reimbursement deadline.
The Auburn Redevelopment Commission voted June 2 to approve up to $30,000 in facade grant funding for a project identified as Gizzy Dogs, provided the applicant submits an updated application that explicitly includes the rear, street-facing exterior.
Commissioner discussion centered on what counts as eligible facade work and how that affects the grant cap. Logan Shank presented the request and described it as "an ask of $30,000 for Gizzy Dogs." Commissioners questioned whether interior drywall, metal framing and electrical work that feeds exterior fixtures should be eligible under the program, and whether including the rear exterior in the scope would push the project over a $100,000 threshold that changes the commission's grant cap.
Members cited precedent for approving work that faces a public street and discussed prior grants (the Crickets project) where back-of-building improvements were paid in part. One commissioner noted there were no interior permits filed for the space in the last three years and expressed concern about funding extensive work for an applicant who is not locally based. Staff reiterated that the grant is a reimbursement program and that approved work must be completed and submitted for reimbursement within six months, although extensions can be requested.
To resolve the eligibility question for this application, the commission approved the $30,000 award contingent on the applicant updating the application to include the rear exterior; staff said the updated application would strengthen the record and clarify whether certain electrical items are properly categorized as exterior fixtures. Brandy Coburn repeated the motion on the floor as "Motion to approve up to $30,000 and they update the application to the back exterior as well." The motion passed on a voice vote; the transcript records the vote as carried but does not include a roll-call tally.
The commission recorded additional concerns about the project's timeline and whether the business would open if only exterior work were completed. Staff noted that because the program is reimbursement-based and applicants must invest their own funds up front, the commission typically sees follow-through; the six-month period to complete work begins with approval.
The commission is scheduled to meet next on July 7, 2026.
