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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin/
FROM: Jill N. Morgan, Senior Planner
DATE: March 8, 2023
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the 2023 Historic Preservation Grants and Allowing the Mayor to enter into Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Addendums (Legistar /KDWK-22.022-PZ/HPJM)
PURPOSE:
Authorizing the execution of a Historic Preservation Grant Agreements with owners of properties within the historic districts or local landmarks to foster the continued preservation of Aurora’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks.
BACKGROUND:
In 2019, City Council approved a new Historic Preservation Grant Program. The Preservation Grant Program is a reimbursable grant for exterior historic rehabilitation projects. The maximum is $20,000. All grants at or under $10,000 require no cash match. All grants over $10,000 require a dollar-for-dollar cash match for every dollar over $10,000. The final $1,000 of the grant is additional funding for the use of local contractors. Properties must be owner-occupied and designated as historic within the City of Aurora and must meet all other eligibility requirements.
With some previous grants not being completed or completed under budget, the budget authorization for 2023 is $226,500 in account 101-1840-463.50-43.
DISCUSSION:
On February 16, 2023, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the 24 applications submitted for the 2023 Historic Preservation Grant Program. The application process was highly competitive with many worthwhile projects. The Based upon the available funding, the Historic Preservation Commission ranked 17 applications as being the most deserving for funding and recommends those applications for approval by City Council.
As outlined in attached Proposed 2023 Historic Preservation Grants Recommendations, the following are recommended for approval:
108 N. View Street - Tanner -Porch Repair - $5,024
215 Grand Avenue - Riddle Highlands - $8,184
219 West Park Avenue - Tanner - $18,210
329 S. Lincoln Avenue - Near Eastside - $21,000
333 Lawndale Avenue - Riddle Highlands - $7,315
353-355 West Park Avenue - Tanner -$8,000
417 Spruce Street - Tanner - $17,571
424 West Park Avenue - Tanner - $21,000
426 Palace Street - Tanner - $11,454
452 Pennsylvania Avenue - Tanner - $15,916
506 W. Downer Place - Westside - $12,187
518 W. Downer Place - Landmark - $17,000
535 W. Downer Place - Landmark - $21,000
619 Palace Street - Palace - $9,394
625 Oak Avenue - Tanner - $18,000
737 Pennsylvania Avenue - Tanner - $8,415
816 Palace Street - Riddle Highlands- $6,490
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the City of Aurora Historic Districts and Landmarks Guideline.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Historic Preservation Commission recommended APPROVAL of A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the 2023 Historic Preservation Grants and Allowing the Mayor to enter into Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Addendums.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed 2023 Historic Preservation Grants Recommendations
Photo Presentation
Grant Agreement Template
cc:
Alderman Michael B. Saville, Chairperson
Alderwoman Patty Smith, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Carl Franco
Alderman Sherman Jenkins
Alderman Ron Woerman
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the 2023 Historic Preservation Grants and Allowing the Mayor to enter into Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Addendums
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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, by petitions dated January 23, 2023, owners filed with the City of Aurora a request for Preservation Grants for certain properties within the City of Aurora;
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2023, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed said requests and recommended that the City allow the Mayor to enter into Preservation Grant Agreements; and
WHEREAS, the City Budget contains sufficient funds in Account Number 101-1840-463.50-43 Other SC-Special Programs/Grant/Property Rehab in order to provide all necessary funding for the projects;
WHEREAS, on March 15, 2023, the Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said petition and the before mentioned recommendations and recommended APPROVAL of said petition; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, finds as facts all of the preamble recitals of this Resolution and hereby authorizing the City’s Mayor, Chief Development Services Officer, and Zoning and Planning Director, or their designees, to execute Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Amendments as well as any other documents associated with these approvals, for the 2023 Historic Preservation Grant Program.