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Property owner asks DDA for larger façade assistance; board requests updated quote
Summary
Property owner Tracey Maskewit asked the Bessemer DDA to increase façade assistance because of higher repair costs; the board requested an updated contractor quote and did not act. The board also discussed roof condition, amended a lease for the historical society, and directed staff to draft a winter parking policy.
Tracey Maskewit attended the Downtown Development Authority meeting on May 6 to discuss façade and general building improvements to her property and asked the board to increase the façade assistance amount to reflect rising repair costs. Board members asked Maskewit to provide an updated repair quote and took no immediate action on increasing the assistance amount.
Separately, the board discussed the age and condition of the roof on the Bessemer Area Historical Society building but did not authorize repairs at the meeting. The board amended the society’s lease dates to Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2026 and asked society representatives to attend the next meeting to discuss the arrangement.
City Manager Lake raised concerns about the DDA-owned parking lot adjacent to the historical society building, noting that abandoned vehicles and winter snow-removal needs created operational problems. Lake suggested creating a winter parking and towing policy to enable plowing; board members asked staff to present a proposed policy at the next meeting. In public comment Maskewit reiterated concerns about abandoned cars and registration status in the lot.
No formal action was taken to change façade-assistance funding at this meeting; the outcome is pending receipt of a revised contractor estimate.
