RESOLUTION NO. 36-14

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE COMMERCIAL CATALYST GRANT PROGRAM FOR NORTH AVENUE

Recitals:

A goal of the City’s 2014 Economic Development Plan (“Plan”) is to support existing businesses with and through business improvement and/or expansion initiatives. The creation of a façade renovation grant program is one such initiative and with this resolution the City Council seeks to implement the goal as discussed on pages 9-10 of the Plan with the creation of a grant program.

North Avenue is an important commercial corridor in the City. In 2007 and 2011 the City Council adopted two North Avenue Corridor Plans (“Corridor Plans”.) Among other things the Corridor Plans encourage development that locates buildings near the street, offers front doors that are inviting and readily accessible, provides for building rather than pole signs, enhances better and safer pedestrian features and affords an inviting streetscape all to help create a vibrant shopping and business environment.

The City Council has carefully considered formulating and funding a grant program which will make funds available to property and business owners to improve the streetscape and building facades on North Avenue and determined that the program will help to stimulate business, new development/redevelopment and realize pedestrian safety improvements in and along the corridor. The City Council sees the grant program as a means to implement the vision of the Corridor Plans and the goals of the Economic Development Plan.

The City Council intends that (1) a Commercial Catalyst Grant Program be established for the North Avenue corridor which will provide partial reimbursement for revitalization projects such as exterior front façade repair, restoration and upgrades; professional architectural and engineering design services; and streetscape and pedestrian improvements; (2) applications for grant funding be evaluated based upon the intent and purposes stated in this Resolution and (3) $50,000 of the City Council economic development fund will be used to support the grant program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION THAT:

The Commercial Catalyst Grant Program for North Avenue is hereby established to improve the streetscape and condition of building facades on North Avenue to stimulate business, attract new development, redevelopment and enhance pedestrian activities and safety along the corridor all as generally and specifically provided herein.

The application and other administrative details of and for the Commercial Catalyst Grant Program for North Avenue shall be established by the City Manager with future funding for the program, if any, to be determined by City Council.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 5^th day of November, 2014.

/s/: Phyllis Norris

President of the Council

ATTEST:

/s/: Stephanie Tuin

City Clerk