Title
Recommendation to Expand the Fa?ade Grant Program Boundaries; and
Adoption of Resolution Amending the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Base Reuse Fund Budget to Appropriate $50,000 for the Fa?ade Grant Program. (Base Reuse 858)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda's Fa?ade Grant Program (the "Program") provides matching grants to businesses and property owners for the completion of fa?ade improvements. Under the current Program, eligible commercial properties must be located in specific geographic areas, including Alameda's business districts, historic station areas, and gateways.
Staff recommends expanding the Program to include all commercial storefronts in the City, with the exception of shopping centers and office parks. The focus would remain on retail and service businesses, with other business types (non-profit/cultural, office, etc.) considered on a case-by-case basis. This expansion would allow the Program to assist business and property owners at Alameda Point, as well as in locations throughout Alameda that have not previously been considered for funding.
In order to assist with the expansion of the program, staff has identified $50,000 (Base Reuse Fund 858) to supplement current Program funds.
BACKGROUND
The City of Alameda's Fa?ade Grant Program provides matching grants to businesses and property owners for the completion of fa?ade improvements. The Program generally pays for 50 percent of the cost of approved improvements, but occasionally offers "specials" in which the City pays for 80 percent of the cost of specific types of improvements (such as signage, awnings, etc.).
Eligible improvements include exterior painting, new or refurbished signs and awnings, and architectural improvements such as replacement or refurbishment of windows, doors, cornices and/or trim. Grant amounts range from $500 to $15,000, depending on the type of work propo...
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