Submitted by: Jeff Ulysse
Submitting Department: Community & Economic Development
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
title
Commercial Façade Improvement Program: 2024 Grant Awards
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council approve the 2024 Commercial Façade Improvement Grant awards for façade improvement projects for the following commercial properties:
• 5126 Baltimore Avenue: $6,000
• 4318 Gallatin Street: $12,000
• 4800 Rhode Island Avenue: $12,500
• 4807 42nd Place: $35,000
• 4207 Gallatin Street: $25,000
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Summary Background:
In early 2024, the City issued its twelfth application cycle for the Commercial Façade Improvement (CFI) Program which provides Hyattsville business and commercial property owners with competitive 1:1 matching grant awards of up to $35,000 per building.
The City’s funding source is the State of Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development’s Community Legacy Grant. The grant funds are eligible to assist with the cost of labor, materials and design, permitting fees, and physical improvements including re-painting, exterior shutters, gutters, windows, siding, doors, masonry, finishes, lighting and signage.
The program requires the applicant to provide three (3) contractor bids and the selected projects will operate under a single contract, signed by the contractor, property/business owner, and the City of Hyattsville.
In April, the application and program guidelines were posted to the City website, sent in the E-Newsletter and mailers to businesses. The City received numerous inquiries which resulted in six (6) applications from commercial property owners and tenants. One application was withdrawn before the review process.
Each of the applicants at the subject properties have proposed utilizing the City’s CFI Program along with their own private equity to improve the conditions of their properties.
The CFI program currently has $125,000 in uncommitted funding. Staff is recommending the following approval and authorization of City Council:
• 5126 Baltimore Avenue: $6,000
• 4318 Gallatin Street: $12,000
• 4800 Rhode Island Avenue: $12,500
• 4807 42nd Place: $35,000
• 4207 Gallatin Street: $25,000
Work on all façade projects is scheduled to take place immediately upon execution of a contract and issuance of Notice to Proceed. Projects shall be scheduled to be completed no later than June 30, 2025.
Next Steps:
No additional action is required.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding for this program is provided from Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development and is allocated as part of the City’s FY2024 Operating Budget.
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend Approval
Community Engagement:
Funding for the City’s Commercial Façade Improvement Program was identified as a priority in the 2017-2021 Community Sustainability Plan.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 2 - Ensure the Long-Term Economic Viability of the City
Legal Review Required?
Pending