TIRZ board approves eight South-side projects, leaving roughly $861,539 in South fund

The San Angelo Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) board approved a block of eight South-tier projects after staff recommended full funding for each application. Most of the projects requested $100,000; one application requested approximately $43,009.89 for façade repairs.

Staff representative Hannah Morell summarized the portfolio of work—storefront window and door replacement, awning reconstruction, painting, fire egress/wall separation and, at some sites, fire-sprinkler or alarm upgrades—and said the recommended awards would leave the South fund with roughly $861,539 available for assignment. "Staff has requested full funding for every one of the projects, which would leave our total in the South, 861,539," she said.

Applicants Brian Benson and Connolly Brooks made public comments describing plans to convert long-unused storefronts on North Chadbourne into rental retail and service spaces, identifying likely tenants such as salons, printing shops and antique stores. Benson told the board the readdressing and permitting are in process and thanked the TIRZ board for supporting downtown revitalization. "We're excited about it…we appreciate the Tiers board and what you guys can allow us to do to bring in some revenue here in downtown San Angelo," he said.

Board members discussed policy questions including how vertically divided buildings with multiple suite addresses have been handled in the past and whether staff should propose a policy amendment to clarify funding for multiple addresses within one building. After discussion the board voted to approve the block as presented by staff. Staff said approved items will be forwarded to City Council (staff indicated a June 2 council date for submittal).