Administrative
Report
N.1., File # 22-4833 Meeting Date: 9/20/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: GREG KAPOVICH, WATERFRONT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TITLE
DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF A STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE
INTERNATIONAL BOARDWALK COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council has identified the revitalization of the International Boardwalk Commercial Corridor as a primary goal and adopted a related objective as part of the Strategic Plan for the implementation of a storefront improvement program. The Waterfront and Economic Development Department (“WED”) has drafted Program guidelines that set forth the framework and application requirements for participating businesses. The program identifies grant funding opportunities ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 per grant, that would be available to support improvements/upgrades to storefronts and facades within the defined International Boardwalk corridor area. The City Council has appropriated $200,000 for the program. The program has been reviewed by the Harbor Commission and is recommended for approval.
BACKGROUND
The Storefront Improvement Program (the “Program”) will provide assistance to commercial business owners along the International Boardwalk who want to improve their building facades. The objectives of the Program are to:
· Encourage and induce private investment in the International Boardwalk commercial corridor · Enhance the appearance of the International Boardwalk · Reduce vacancies in the International Boardwalk commercial corridor · Provide a catalyst for others to improve their buildings, signs, and awnings The Program is meant to physically improve the facades of the existing commercial spaces along International Boardwalk. Shared public spaces such as walkways, trash cans, outdoor dining, light poles, etc., that are located on International Boardwalk are not included in the scope. However, International Boardwalk has been identified in the Public Amenities Plan for coordinated design and general improvements of the shared spaces that will be a part of the implementation plan.
Applicants to the Program must own a business within the Program area with qualified business owners having the option of applying for one of three Tiers of funding. Tier 1 funds are to be used for non-architectural elements such as paint, signage, and awnings. Tier 1 funding will reimburse 50% of the grantee’s cost up to a maximum grant amount of $2,500. Tier 2 funds may be used for all Tier 1 type improvements as well as significant façade improvements including, but not limited to,
N.1., File # 22-4833 Meeting Date: 9/20/2022
1 type improvements as well as significant façade improvements including, but not limited to, structural upgrades, façade tile or stone accents, complete window replacement or upgrading entryways for ADA compliance. Tier 2 funding will reimburse 50% of the grantee’s cost up to a maximum grant amount of $10,000. Tier 3 funding may be used for all Tier 1 and Tier 2 type improvements but is only available to businesses with storefronts measuring over 100 lineal feet.
There are currently three tenant spaces within the International Boardwalk with storefronts measuring over 100 lineal feet. Tier 3 funding will also reimburse 50% of the grantee’s cost but the maximum grant amount has been increased to $50,000 to accommodate the larger storefront, which are four to five times larger than the Tier 2 business storefronts. Applicants have the option of using up to $1,000 of their allocated grant funds for architectural and design services for projects qualifying in all three tiers.
Eligible improvements under the Program are outlined in the Program Guidelines (attached) and include, but are not limited to, exterior paint, removal and replacement of old signs and awnings, repair and replacement of windows and entry doors, landscaping, and remediation of city and state code violations. All improvements made with Program grant funds must comply with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as design review regulations. Grant applications will be reviewed by a design team comprised of the Waterfront and Economic Development and Community Development Departments.
If approved for grant funding under the Program, applicants must sign a Grant Agreement with the City for a term not to exceed three years. The Grant Agreement details the terms and conditions associated with the Program, as well as required future maintenance obligations, if necessary. All Grant Agreements will be created with the assistance of the City Attorney’s Office and forwarded to the City Council for review and consideration of final approval.
Grants will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Once the proposed improvements are completed, applicants will be required to submit to the City all documentation listed in the Guidelines demonstrating completion of the approved improvements. All proposed improvements are subject to City inspection. Grantee must have all City permits and fee obligations paid prior to reimbursement.
Outreach for the program, if approved Council, will occur via the City’s website and through communication with the International Boardwalk businesses, mailing to business owners, and inperson visits to businesses along International Boardwalk. Outreach will be designed to ensure that business owners are aware of the opportunity afforded by the program as well as any deadlines for application submission. Prospective applicants will be encouraged to meet with City staff to review application requirements prior to formal submittal. Applications that best meet the criteria of the Program will be selected and forwarded to the City Council for final approval. Businesses must be in good standing.
COORDINATION
The Program Guidelines and Application were developed in consultation with the Community Development Department and the City Manager's Office. WED will continue to work closely with the Community Development Department to ensure that Program applicants are in compliance with all local regulations pertaining to façade upgrades. WED will also work with the City Attorney’s Office to develop the necessary Grant Agreements.
N.1., File # 22-4833 Meeting Date: 9/20/2022
FISCAL IMPACT
As part of the FY 2022-27 Capital Improvement Program, City Council funded $200,000 from the Uplands Fund for the International Boardwalk Storefront Improvement Program.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Storefront Improvement Guidelines
· Storefront Improvement Program Application
· Map - International Boardwalk