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Home My WebLink About[05a] BFA Request - Russell Eyecare, LLCCITY OF ST. JOS>/PH wmw. cityo(stjoscph.com Administrator 'idy Weyrens yor Al Rassier ~uncilors Steve Frank " .b Loso Knee Symanietz .le Wick rolyn Yaggie- Heinen "~ ~n Jacobson Rassier im Skahen Dale Wick DATE: August 19, 2009 MEMO TO: Economic Development Authority FROM: Cynthia Smith-Strack Municipal Development Group RE: BFA Grant Application: Russell Eyecare & Associates, LLC Background: The EDA has received an application for the Business Facade Architectural (BFA) Grant Program from Christie Russell Villnow, Owner of Russell Eyecare & Associates, LLC. As you know, the 2008 pilot program was capitalized so as to fund up to five projects totaling $1,000 each. The matching grant is for architectural services relating to fagade redevelopment or landscape visible from public rights of way. The EDA has previously committed to five projects, one of which have not requested reimbursement at this time. The outstanding approved project did not materialize and, therefore, the application is void. As a result the EDA should have the ability to consider one additional BFA grant application. Christie Russell Villow, Owner~of Russell Eyecare has submitted an application for a BFA grant. A copy of the application is attached for Commission review. The application illustrates a total of $15,000 in visible improvements will be added to the Millstream Shops structure; of the total $3,000 is for installation of signage and the remaining $12,000 in improvements will occur indoors but be visible from the large street-level windows. As you know, BFA program oversight and authority for grant approval was delegated to the EDA. The EDA is to review and approve grants based on the following guidelines on a first come, first served basis: 1. A project for which an application has been received will only be reviewed if it is filled out completely and accompanied by photographs illustrating subject building(s) and property. A complete application has been received. 2. Multiple property owners must submit separate applications for each property/project. The applicant is the leaseholder and responsible for leasehold improvements. 3. Any business owner under a lease who submits and application must obtain and provide written consent of the property owner. The applicant has secured the signature of the property owner. 4. Preference will be given to projects which: ^ Will positively contribute to the City revitalization/renewal efforts. The project will positively contribute to the downtown revitalization effort in that an additional business will be added in the downtown. ^ Will eliminate a blighting influence. n/a CITY OF ST. JOSI~PH aw~W. cityo~stjose ph.com • Will result in a visible improvement that would not be made otherwise. The Applicant has certified the visible improvements will not be made without grant assistance. ^ Demonstrate a ratio of private investment to public investment greater than 2:1. The proposed grant will induce a return $15 for each grant dollar. 5. Project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, transportation plans and other applicable plans. The project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 6. Projects must be completed within a timely manner from date of official project approval (i.e. one year with a maximum extension of an additional six months). As indicated, dollars are limited and reimbursement will be made after project improvements are completed, and reimbursement requested. The project will be complete by the close of 2009. Review of Request: Review of the application is requested Action: EDA consideration of the grant application is kindly requested. r--, APPLICATION FOR ST. JOSEPH BUSINESS DISTRICT FACADE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GRANT PROGRAM "Please read attached program criteria carefully before completing the appllcatlon " "Please remember to Include photos of your bullding(s) and/or property as they relate to tire types of improvements indicated on thls app/kation. "' Business Name: 4 Property Address: 15 £ ~ (nnes~, S~ ~~ V ui+~ 10~` Business owner(s): l '~11(lS~~ ~ SSP~ I V). I ~ no Ltd Property Owner(s): Mailing Address: t'' ~ ~ ~X ~ ~ ~ 1 u lC~ .V 1 ~ ('G _ ~ ~ S r03,D~ Phone Number: ~a~ ~ aa~ ~ 3ag9 Fax Number: ~3O ~ ~ a-~ ' 3 b~ E-Mail Address: ~ Y Y~ lA SS-~ I'I V rU. SSA ~ ~~'-Q-rte . ~rn 1. On the attached page, please identify the specific improvements you are proposing for the building(s) and/or property. 2. Based on the proposed improvements identfied, please provide your best estimate of the er-tire project cost: a O'DD N 3. If the project cost comes in at, or exceeds your estimate, do you have pri ate funds readily available to complete the proposed the project? ~_Yes No If No, by what means will you secure funding and still complete the project within a timely manner 4. If your project is approved, does completing the project timely pose any concerns for you? Yes ~No If yes, Please list those concerns: PROJECT DESCRIPTION Please provide an accurate and thorough summary of your project. The photographs taken of you- building(s) and property will assist in a visual manner to further support your written project description. Based on the description of your project and your motivation for wanting to make these improvements, please place a check mark next to those projed preference item you feel your projed meets. V11ill positively contribute to the City's revital'~zaCwNn;nevral efforts. Will eliminate a blighting influence. Will result in a visible improvement that would not be made otherwise. v/ Result in a ratio of private investment to public investment greater than 2:1. The information on this application is accurate. I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the program criteria for the St. Joseph Business Facade Architectural Design Grant Program. Authorized Agent Date: /D 9 Tdle: (men . Mall or Dellve- to: St. Joseph Facade Archltectura/ Design Grant Program, City of St Joseph Economic Development Authority 25 College Avenue North, P.0. Box B68 St Joseph MN 56374 n ST. JOSEPH BUSINESS DISTRICT FACADE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GRANT PROGRAM PURPOSE The St. Joseph Business Distrid Facade Archiledural Design Grant Program provides incentives to stimulate visible reinvestment in St. Joseph businesses. Property owners are encouraged to consider improvements that incorporate the surrounding community including but not limited to aestheC~cs, environment, cultural 8 historic elements and architecture. These improvements should create a cohesive, inviting environment. The program provides a matching grant for actual design costs, up to $1,000 per properly address, to commercial property owners and/or merchants for exterior building and landscape improvements. Approved projects will be funded on afirst-come/first-served basis until all funds are expended. In addition, the opportunity exists that the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority's revolving loan program could be available to assist with construdion costs associated with the implementation of fapade designs. ELIGIBILITY 1. All work must be done on the exterior of the building/property and result in a publicly visible improvement. 2. All work done must be in accordance with the City of St. Joseph Code of Ordinances, the Downtown Revitalization Plan and subsequent design guidelines, and the building Dods. All required permits must be obtained. Work shalt include the correction of any known exterior twikiing code violations. 3. Work in progress or performed prior to project approval will not be eligible for funding. 4. Funds may be used for the design of exterior building improvements, awnings, windows, doors and/or site landscaping resulting in a publicly visible improvement. Other uses may also be eligible if prior approval is granted by the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority. 5. Signs are eligible for this program but must be in oonnedion with a facade improvement Proj~• 6. The following types of property are not eligible: • Tax delinquent • Spedal Assessment delinquent • Property in litigation • Property in condemnation or receivership • Tax exempt properties • Exclusively residerrtial buildings • Properties zoned industrial • New construction projects (redevelopment and/or rehabilitation projeds remain eligible) • Property considered non-conforming to the City's Code of Ordinances, unless the proposed improvements are intended to corned aU the non-conforming issues. PROJECT APPROVAL GUIDELINES Program oversight and authority for grant approval is delegated to the City of St. Joseph Economic Development Authority. The Economic Development Authority will review and approve all grants based on the following guidelines: 1. A project for which an application has been received will only be reviewed if it is filled out completely and accompanied by photographs illustrating subject building(s) and property. 2. Multiple property owners must submit separate applications for each property/project. 3. Any business owner under a lease who submits and application must obtain and provide written consent of the property owner. 4. Preference will be given to projects which: • WIII positively conVibute to the City revitalization/renewal efforts • Will eliminate a blighting influence • Will result in a visible improvement that would not be made otherwise Demonstrate a ratio of private investment to public investment greater than 2:1 5. Project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, transportation plans and other applicable plans. 6. Projects must be completed within a timely manner from date of official project approval (i.e. one year with a maximum extension of an additional six months). As indicated, ddlars are limited and reimbursement will be made after project improvements are completed, and reimbursement requested. PROPERTY OWNER RE~UIREIiAENTS Upon the application submittal for a project, the Applicant will play an important role in a partnership that inGudes the City of St. Joseph and the Economic Development Authority. The following may be required to review plans depending on the scope of the project: City staff, the Planning Commission, the EDA and the City Council. Those required to review the plans andlor grant application will review design drawings, proposed work specifications, and the architectural materials. Below are items that will be required of as part of completing your project. 1. Attendance at an informational meeting which will outline the entire project procedure. 2. Property owners' attendance at various meetings, reviews etc. with representatives of either the City or EDA to expedite various stages of the project. 3. The property owner must sign an architect/owner agreement prior to commencing construction to ensure their improvements are in accordance with the design approved by the City/EDA. 4. Ail work to be done on the project shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner. The City of St. Joseph/EDA administers the grant program herein and the City/EDA is not responsible for any work undertaken as a resuN of the design grant. The owner hereby holds the City and EDA harmless for any and all liability commencing out of any work constructed and paid for the design grant herein. ~" ~;, s -. ~~ r._-.~ ., '_ ~'~ I i.. ~L+r _. t