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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alderman Ted Mesiacos, Ward 3
DATE: September 26, 2023
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing a two-year grant program in the amount of $75,000.00 per year in partnership with Invest Aurora for the Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program.
PURPOSE:
To will support and encourage business property owners and tenants in Ward 3 to re-invest in and renovate their buildings and properties. The City of Aurora's Ward 3 Façade and site improvement Grant Program is intended to encourage business property owners and tenants in Ward 3 to re-invest and renovate their buildings and properties.
BACKGROUND:
This program was established in 2022 to assist small businesses to update, repair and maintain their buildings and properties. Eligible rehabilitation projects must be commercial or mixed-use properties within Ward 3 municipal boundaries.
DISCUSSION:
Reimbursements will be made from the Ward 3 grant account, 313-1004-411.50-80 where $75,000.00 will be earmarked for this program. The grant reimburses 50 percent of the total rehabilitation cost, but not to exceed $25,000.00 in grant funds. The minimum overall project cost must be of $5,000.00.
Invest Aurora's Grant Committee will review each proposal upon receipt of a completed application. The project must be completed 180 days from the receipt of the Commitment Letter.
Grants will be approved on a first-come first-serve basis until Ward 3 grant funds have depleted for the calendar year. Grants are disbursed as reimbursements after the project is complete, all contractors have been paid and signed lien waivers, and a Certificate of Occupancy is obtained from the City of Aurora.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of the program will encourage and support business property owners and tenants to improve their buildings and properties to enhance the appearance of surrounding neighborhoods.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approve the Invest Aurora and Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program.
cc: Rules, Administration and Procedure Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution approving the Invest Aurora and Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, The Third Ward Alderman seeks to encourage and support business property owners and tenants in Ward 3 to re-invest in and renovate their buildings and properties; and
WHEREAS, the Invest Aurora and Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program serves a public benefit by encouraging improvements to the exterior of the buildings thereby improving the appearance of the neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, a copy of the Invest Aurora and Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program is attached; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: grants awarded under this program during the term for which is authorized shall be deemed encumbered upon award and may be paid to the recipient in accordance with this resolution.