BusHsgDev Highlights 2008 1211 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. Update on the Commercial Rehabilitation Program Development Planner Ricard highlighted two Commercial Rehabilitation Program projects in the downtown that are in the advanced planning stages. Ricard began by discussing the proposed project for Express Liquors. Ricard explained that Agency staff along with downtown consultant, Main Street Property Services, targeted Express Liquors as a source of blight, which has made leasing adjacent vacant parcels difficult. At the request of the Agency, the property owner has spent approximately $70,000 on interior improvements to the building, including a new floor, removal of an outdated false roof, creation of a storage room and fresh paint with a new color scheme. The business owner has also worked closely with Agency staff in order to upgrade the appearance of their shop by removing the excessive beer posters, adding new shelving and stocking higher-end wine. Ricard explained that the Agency would like to build on these improvements by upgrading the exterior of the building, and has worked with a design consultant, as well as the business and property owner, to come up with a design. Ricard shared the design with the Committee (attachment 1). The Committee discussed how the liquor store was a source of blight in the downtown and how the project would affect other businesses positively in the area. Ricard requested the Committee approve up to $37,000 in form of forgivable loan to construct the exterior improvements as presented to the Committee. The Committee was split in their support for funding 100% of the project; Councilmember Souza supported funding 100% of the project while Councilmember Grant supported funding 50% of project. Ricard then introduced the Scribner Center project by explaining that staff has been working with Rob Scribner, the owner of the Scribner Center, and Jot Mangat, the owner of the Englander restaurant, on ways to improve this popular downtown meeting place. Ricard explained that Parrott Street and the Englander parking lot has become a community hub due in large part to the popularity of the Farmers Market. Ricard then presented a design concept to the Committee (attachment 2) and noted how the reconfiguration of the parking lot and construction of a 20 foot wide sidewalk would provide a unique gathering place during the Farmers Market. Ricard also explained that the improvements would increase the number of outdoor tables at the Englander and provide improved access to the Englander banquet room and comedy club. Ricard explained that the cost of these improvements is in excess of $400,000 and asked the Committee to approve up to $85,000 in the form of forgivable loan to assist in the construction of the improvements presented to the Committee. Recommendation: The Committee recommends City Council approval of the forgivable loans to the Scribner Center and Englander.