AgdaPkt 2010-10-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.3B are proposed. These modifications are intended to enhance, expand, and improNliDenfe2 workability of the program and hopefully provide an economic stimulus for both new and existing downtown businesses and property owners. Proposed Modifications Exhibit A to Attachment 1, Resolution, summarizes the proposed terms of the modified SIP, the Design Assistance Services (DAS) proposed to be provided, and criteria to be used for evaluating applications for both the SIP and DAS. It also includes eligibility criteria. In general, the modified SIP would have the following terms: • $25,000 maximum SIP grant with 50% match requirement for"typical" projects. • $50,000 maximum SIP grant with 50% match requirement for the following "special" projects (1) buildings with 3 or more tenants; (2) documented historic resources; (3) two adjacent properties or three or more buildings in a block renovating simultaneously; (4) buildings with combined façade of 100 linear feet or more visible from public right-of-way. • Grant funds paid upon completion of improvements and opening of business. • Owner-occupant or tenant with minimum 3-5 years remaining on lease. In addition to painting, awnings, signage, wall repair/preparation, renovation/repair of windows and other façade upgrades, eligible expenses would be expanded to include: • Graphics and exterior lighting improvements. • Improved exterior accessibility for the physically impaired. • Permanent exterior fixturing upgrades including display windows. • All permits and fees. The focus of the SIP grant program is to improve facades. The Agency has the legal authority to acquire façade easements, which are interests in property. It does not have such authority to make grants for interior commercial rehabilitation, although it may make loans for that purpose. Grant recipients would be required to execute a Grant and Maintenance Agreement (GMA) with the Agency which would require the grantee to maintain the improvements for a period of 3-5 years, depending on the grant amount. This Agreement, which is a new requirement, would include maintenance provisions to address peeling paint, litter, graffiti, unkempt landscape or hardscape (including right-of-way) and other unsightly or malfunctioning features as determined by the Agency. A draft 'template' of the GMA is included as Exhibit B to Attachment 1, Resolution. Owner approval would still be required for tenant applications. Project applications would be accepted on a "first come, first served" basis, with priority given to those projects that meet the greatest number of the evaluation criteria identified on page 2 of the summary of the proposed modifications to the SIP and DAS programs (Exhibit A, Attachment 1, Resolution). The eligibility area is also proposed to be modified to expand the geographic area eligible for assistance. It is recommended that all commercial buildings within the Downtown Precise Plan boundaries be eligible for assistance, with applications ranked according to the evaluation criteria (Attachment 3c). Another new component of the program includes grants for design services. The Agency will have several conceptual façade design prototypes prepared that SIP 82483 00000\4753953,4