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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.2 Facde Improvement Program Reimbursement - Jamaica Square TO: Economic Development Authority FROM: Matt Wolf, Assistant to the City Administrator DATE: April 8, 2021 RE: Façade Improvement Program Applications – Jamaica Square Background A façade improvement program is a popular mechanism to incentivize improvements to the exterior of commercial buildings. In 2020, the City of Cottage Grove approved the project submitted by Jamaica Square for the maximum grant amount of $24,999. Additionally, due to current economic conditions because of COVID-19 the EDA supported the additional projects submitted by Culver’s and the Shoppes at Gateway North. This financial assistance is meant to help beautify buildings, increase consumer awareness of businesses, and sustain a healthy commercial building stock in Cottage Grove by keeping them in code compliance. Each application that was submitted was reviewed on the following criteria:  Location within the City of Cottage Grove (based on priority map).  Ability to encourage improvements to surrounding businesses.  Ability to improve the appearance and attractiveness of an area.  Consistent with Cottage Grove Comprehensive Plan  Compliance with City Codes  Priority may be given to local businesses over national/regional tenants  Building owners who have not previously been awarded a grant will be considered before those who have already received grant funding. Discussion Jamaica Square is located off the Jamaica Street exit off Highway 61/10 at 8461 East Point Douglas Road South. The building is a multi-tenant commercial building that contains Bella Nails & Spa, Cottage Grove Smoke Shop, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, and National Karate. The building is uniquely positioned as one of the properties that is highly visible to residents and visitors traveling on Highway 61/10. The Jamaica Square Economic Development Authority April 8, 2021 Page 2 of 3 application consisted of exterior painting of the building, new awnings, new exterior lighting, a new monument sign, and parking lot repair. In total the project had $81,982 in eligible expenses based on project guidelines. Representing a 70% private to public funding ratio. The applicant requested and was approved by the EDA at the June 9, 2020 meeting by a vote 7-to-0. The City Council approved the application at their June 17, 2020 meeting by a vote of 5-to-0. The $24,999 is the maximum match per the program guidelines. Figure 1 Images of the completed Jamaica Square façade improvements. Economic Development Authority April 8, 2021 Page 3 of 3 On April 1, 2021 Jamaica Square submitted their paid invoices for a total of $81,982. These expenses included: $15,600 – Cityscape Painting Contractors, Inc.  Painting Exterior of Building $12,510 – G&J Awning  New Awnings throughout Building $6,422 – Sun Master LLC  New Exterior Building Lighting $31,550 – ASC Asphalt Concrete Solution Inc.  Remove Existing Curb and Gutter  Install new B-162 Curb and Gutter  Parking Lot Replacement 3” $15,900 – Indigo Signs  Installation of New Monument Sign Including New Footing  Double Sided LED Lit Monument Sign with Changeable Panels With these paid invoices the project is completed and shows proof of expenditures. The Cottage Grove Building Division approved a final inspection and based on the completed project the property owner has requested that the EDA approve payment of $24,999 to Jamaica Plaza LLC & Jamaica Crossroads LLC. Recommendation 1. By motion approve payment of $24,999 to Jamaica Crossroads LLC & Jamaica Plaza LLC based on completion of the façade improvement of their building located at 8461 East Point Douglas Road South. Attachments 1. Business Subsidy Agreement – Jamaica Crossroads LLC & Jamaica Plaza LLC and the City of Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority 2. Jamaica Square Paid Invoices