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Cedar Springs DDA moves to close expired facade grant for 30 South Main; applicant told to reapply
Summary
The Cedar Springs Downtown Development Authority voted to close an expired $5,000 matching facade grant for 30 South Main after the applicant missed both the 6-month start and 1-year completion deadlines; the board encouraged reapplication and discussed tightening application requirements.
The Cedar Springs Downtown Development Authority voted to close an expired facade grant originally approved Feb. 24, 2025, for 30 South Main and directed the applicant to reapply if he wishes to pursue the project.
Ms. Johnson, who briefed the board, said the grant authorized a $5,000 match for work at 30 South Main and required that improvements start within six months and be completed within one year. She told trustees the applicant, Mr. Conflitti, missed both deadlines and later supplied new contractor quotes and a revised scope that would increase the project cost; the application had therefore expired.
The vote followed a motion identified in the transcript as made by Ms. Ensley and seconded from the floor. Board members debated options including (1) extending the original approval for the previously approved scope, (2) extending with a change in scope that would require a separate motion, or (3) closing the expired application and requiring a new application. Supporters of closing the grant said enforcement of deadlines preserves fairness and available funds for other applicants.
"If you don't follow those rules, then you have to start over," a board member said during discussion, arguing that allowing a late extension could tie up funds and create precedent.
Trustees also discussed whether future applications should require a signed contract in addition to a contractor quote and insurance. Ms. Johnson noted the existing application requires a quote and proof of contractor insurance but not a signed contract; several trustees said adding a requirement for a signed contract (or other proof the work is scheduled) might reduce repeat delays.
The motion to close the expired grant passed by voice vote; the transcript records the affirmative responses but does not provide a roll-call tally. Meeting materials included the applicant's letter and additional quotes; the applicant was not present but had provided a representative and documentation in the packet.
Next steps: the board's action closes the previously approved facade grant for 30 South Main; staff said Mr. Conflitti may reapply and the board may consider adjustments to the facade-application requirements (for example, requiring a signed contract) when it reviews future applications.
