The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) offers series of incentive programs to stimulate positive development and redevelopment activities within the CRA. The current programs encourage participation in the preservation, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of the geographic area consistent with programs and strategies outlined in the Redevelopment Plan. Each program is designed to achieve one or more of the following objectives:
- Achieve/accelerates the goals of the Plan and other planning documents;
- Improves the overall economic vitality and quality of life in the CRA;
- Supports existing businesses and attract new businesses to the CRA.
- Supports the financial health, expansion and success of existing businesses in the CRA;
- Stimulates new development/investment to the CRA;
- Preserves historic properties;
- other objectives specific to each program.
The existing programs include:
- Business Improvement Reimbursement Program (BIRP)
- Real Estate Development Accelerator (REDA) Program
- Design Assistance Program
- Mural Matching Grant Program
- Paint-up Program
- Brush with Kindness
The CRA is in the process of applying for a Community Redevelopment Block Grant (CDBG) to establish Housing Rehabilitation Program for FY 2021.
Community Redevelopment Board
There was discussion to offer incentive program (e.g. BIRP or Residential Façade Improvement) by focus area to bolster redevelopment and increase TIF revenue if funds/grants are provided in concentrated areas versus spreading it out throughout the CRA. If there are funds available in the program at the end of the fiscal year, the remaining balance can be used for streetscape improvements (e.g. sidewalk, landscaping, lighting) in the focus area for a higher return on investment. Each year the same incentive program would be offered by focus areas until all areas/neighborhood within the CRA have an opportunity to benefit from the program. The concern is that if a business owner is not in a focus area, they will have to wait until the program is available in the area where the business is located.
The board requested the return on investment on projects previously funded with the BIRP/Property Improvement Grant programs. The report on projects funded including the assessed value prior to the improvements and current assessed value of the property is attached.
There was discussion on eligible activities for the BIRP and criteria used to evaluate the BIRP applications. Staff made revisions to the list of eligible activities for the BIRP and new review criteria/scoring tier for evaluating applications and awarding grant.
Due to lack of applications for the Brush with Kindness program, the board suggested reducing the funds in this program and reallocating it for residential façade improvements. Staff is proposing a combined program that will address exterior paint and other façade improvements for residential properties. The proposed Residential Façade Improvement (RFI) Grant Program will assist property owners to restore and improve the appearance of their residential properties. The program guidelines and eligible activities is provided in the attached RFI program description.
The CRA will collaborate with MainStreet to apply for the Historic Preservation Grant available through the Division of Historic Resources. Staff is requesting recommendations for specific project to consider for the next grant application cycle in FY 2021.
Joint CRB/CRA/CC Meeting
The recommended changes for the Business Improvement Reimbursement Program (BIRP) have been incorporated in the attached revised BIRP Guidelines and application. The Paint-up Program has been combined with the proposed Residential Façade Improvement Grant Program. The program guidelines and eligibility requirements are provided in the attached Residential Façade Improvement Grant application.