Newberry CRA approves 75% façade grant, up to $62,400, for downtown property owner Tom Linton

The City of Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency on Feb. 9 approved a commercial façade grant for property owner Tom Linton that will cover 75% of eligible final expenses, up to $62,400.

CRA staff noted this is the third façade grant awarded under the program since it launched and recommended approval because the proposed parking-area work is visible from Southwest 50th Street, making it eligible under the program’s visibility requirement. Staff said the applicant has already completed some exterior façade work but sought reimbursement for the parking area, which qualifies because it is visible from the road. Under program rules the applicant could not use his own hardscape company, so an outside vendor will perform that portion of the work.

Board members asked whether the grant covered the parking lot and how that intersects with on-street parking and an FDOT retention-basin conversion on the opposite side of the street. Staff responded that the applicant controls the parcel to the road and that additional downtown parking is expected to come from other conversions in the area.

A motion to approve the grant was moved and seconded and the CRA voted unanimously to approve the application. Staff will finalize grant terms and monitor compliance with program requirements.