Council funds four facade grants and tasks CDA with feasibility study for 1149 West James Street

The council approved four facade grant applications on March 3 after a presentation by CDA staff. Councilors supported the program’s downtown revitalization goals but raised concerns about sustainability after awards would exhaust part of the CDA fund balance.

Paul, a CDA staff speaker, outlined that funding all four projects would exhaust the current facade grant line item and require dipping into CDA fund balance. A councilor asked for the current CDA fund balance; staff replied it was roughly $90,000 excluding an investment account. Councilors debated whether to approve the awards now and then plan a larger recurring budget for façade improvements in future budgets.

One councilor said, “I would echo ... I can support dipping in this time, I can't support blowing that entire fund balance in 1 year,” noting the program’s value but urging a sustainable plan (Alder / Committee member, speaker 3). Another councilor recommended exploring additional funding sources and increasing the annual allotment in next year’s budget to sustain the program.

Council approved the CDA’s four facade grants by roll call. The panel also moved and approved a separate motion to task the Community Development Authority with a feasibility report on development opportunities for 1149 West James Street. Staff said no completed feasibility study specific to that building exists on file and recommended allowing CDA to scope timing and deliverables; the council asked CDA to present a timeline and initial scope at a forthcoming meeting.

Council also approved routine claims and heard an officer report on the city’s participation in a national public power legislative rally in Washington, D.C.