Commission recommends $19,800 facade grant and $2,000 sign grant for Good Times Barber Shop

The Brookfield Planning & Zoning Commission on June 25 recommended that the Village Board approve Property Improvement Program grants totaling up to $21,800 for Good Times Barber Shop, 3501 Maple Avenue: a $19,800 façade grant (50% match of estimated eligible costs) and a $2,000 signage grant (50% match of the sign estimate).

Owners Mike and Jessa told commissioners they bought the building in 2022 after it had been vacant for years and described a scope of work that includes replacing a deteriorated mansard-style awning with black standing-seam metal, repairing or replacing deteriorated siding with a durable infill material complementary to existing brick, improving exterior lighting and electrical behind the awning, and installing a more legible channel-letter sign.

Libby, the village planner, explained the PIP process: façade grants are administered by Planning & Zoning (up to $20,000, generally a 50% match), signage is reviewed by the Economic Development Commission (signage portion up to $2,000), and applicants must go through building- and sign-permitting after board approval. Staff presented two contractor quotes for the façade (combined eligible costs totaling about $39,600) and signage quotes that supported the $2,000 signage cap; staff recommended approval with conditions.

Commissioners expressed support for the project but sought clarity on what constitutes eligible enhancement versus routine maintenance. To protect the commercial character of the eight-corners corridor and to set clear conditions for village-funded work, the commission attached three conditions to its recommendation: (1) replace all areas of existing deteriorated siding with an upgraded, durable infill façade material complementary to the existing brick masonry; (2) retain the existing main entry storefront (the divided-lite windows) as shown; and (3) paint the small roof/dormer and service door black to match the new standing-seam metal roofing.

Commissioner discussion also discouraged use of a plain six-panel residential door in visible locations and urged that detailed materials and colors be clarified during the permitting stage. The commission voted unanimously to forward the recommendations to the Village Board; the board will consider the grants at its July 13 meeting.

What this means: if the Village Board approves the grants, applicants will proceed with permit filings; the village will disburse matching funds per program rules after the work is completed and validated.