Clarksburg Urban Renewal Authority approves two façade grants for 307 East Pike Street

Speaker 1, Chair of the Clarksburg Urban Renewal Authority, on Dec. 23 presided over approval of minutes from the authority’s Oct. 9, 2025 meeting and approved two façade grant applications for properties at 307 East Pike Street.

The approvals covered applications from EMC Rentals LLC, submitted by Eric Leesburg, and from Pike Street Motors on behalf of James Barnes. Speaker 1 said the EMC Rentals application "has been emailed to you as well as in front of you," and described the work as siding, painting and parking-lot work; Speaker 1 also noted that much of that work already "is done." Speaker 2 recorded on the application page that "applicant does not have any outstanding fees on the account," and the authority approved both applications by voice vote.

Why it matters: Façade grants are a routine economic development tool used by the authority to encourage property improvements in the downtown corridor. The approvals affect the same address, 307 East Pike Street, and the transcript includes a reference to a $5,000 figure in the record, although the meeting record does not clearly assign that amount to a specific application.

Details: Speaker 1 introduced both applications and asked for motions to approve; motions were made and seconded and both applications were approved with voice votes. The transcript does not record the name of the individual who moved either motion nor does it give a roll-call tally of votes — the approvals were recorded as collective "Aye/Yes" responses. The transcript identifies Eric Leesburg as having submitted the EMC Rentals LLC application and lists James Barnes as the party on whose behalf Pike Street Motors applied.

The authority also approved the Oct. 9, 2025 minutes after Speaker 1 asked for corrections and Speaker 2 seconded the motion; the minutes were approved by voice vote.

Next steps and context: Speaker 1 noted the authority’s annual meeting in January and that the meeting time (typically afternoon) may be adjusted. No additional conditions, reporting requirements or implementation dates for the façade grants were recorded in the transcript.

Quotes from the meeting: Speaker 1: "They were emailed to you and are also in your pocket." Speaker 1 (describing proposed work): "He is looking to do siding painting, fill the parking lot." Speaker 2: "Applicant does not have any outstanding fees on the account."

The meeting adjourned after the approvals and short scheduling discussion.