“We’re hoping to inspire investment in property and help businesses in those corridors,” said Amber Holloway, assistant city manager. “This is one way that we can make investments more tangible or realistic for some of our smaller businesses.”
Holloway said the areas of National Road and Dixie Drive were chosen because those streets have a lot of visibility. Many of the buildings on those streets are older, too. The city has also worked to improve those streets in recent years with new, decorative utility box wraps, streetscape and a comprehensive improvement plan, Holloway said.
The city is now accepting applications for the program.
Business owners or building owners can apply to the program for help with removing elements that cover architectural details, window replacement, awning replacement, or repainting of facade or siding. The program will not cover interior improvements, landscaping, additions or projects that are already in progress. Priority will be given to projects with the highest visibility and impact on public streets.
Applicants must either own or be a business owner of an eligible building, improvements must be visible from the public right-of-way and the applicant must be current on property and Vandalia income taxes and show no delinquencies for the previous three year period. The applicant must also be able to show proof of property insurance.
Grants will be available to cover half of the total eligible project costs. Grants to businesses will not exceed $15,000. The business has to use private, non-city funds to match the grant money.
Applicants will first submit an application — including a budget, income statement and description of the work to be done — to the program manager. Holloway said the program manager has yet to be selected.
The Vandalia Development Corporation will review the application in a public meeting. If a project is approved, the applicant will be asked to submit three construction estimates. The applicant will then be asked to chose a contractor from the estimates submitted to the city.
The program manager will conduct weekly site inspections. Any changes in the work must be reviewed and approved by the program manager.
After the project is completed, the applicant must give the city documents showing all project costs and invoices for all project-related expenses and lien releases from all contractors and subcontractors showing that the applicant has paid. Then, within 10 days of getting that information, the program manager will confirm the project has been finished and the grant funds will be awarded to the applicant. Funds for the grants will come from the city’s general fund, Holloway said.
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