Committee backs drafting of downtown facade grant with Main Street Monroe using TID 7 funds

Administrator Wendy presented a proposal to partner with Main Street Monroe to reinstate a downtown facade and structural improvement grant funded by increment from TID 7. She said the TID summary shows roughly $800,000 available and proposed an initial program with a 1:1 match, a minimum grant of $5,000 and a maximum of $50,000, and administration in partnership with Main Street’s design committee and the historic preservation committee.

Committee members debated whether to limit eligibility to the historic overlay or the entire TID 7 area, whether to cap initial funding (members suggested $400,000–$500,000 to reserve funds for Opportunity Park), and whether payments should be made directly to contractors instead of reimbursing recipients. Jordan Norby, Main Street Monroe’s director, cautioned against withholding too much money from the program while acknowledging the need to preserve funds for other projects. Wendy said she will work with Main Street, the attorney and relevant committees to draft an application and program brochure and bring a finalized proposal to the full council.