Council to consider five downtown façade grants totaling $67,944; program covers two-thirds up to $20,000

City staff told the Macomb City Council that five facade renovation grant applications had been completed for properties around the downtown square and could be accommodated within the program's budget.

Director Ballard said the applications cover 104 and 106 North Side Square (two separate parcels owned by Nelson), 217 North Randolph Street (Midwest Integrative Health), 17 East Side Square (JB Designs) and 124 South Yes Street (All About Pieces). Ballard described proposed work ranging from tuckpointing and building repairs to new doors, windows and signage. "We have five applications that were completed and turned into the Office of Downtown Development," Ballard said.

Staff noted the program typically covers two-thirds of eligible costs up to $20,000 per project and that $100,000 had been budgeted for this program cycle. The five applications total $67,944, which staff said allows full funding of all five projects within the current budget. Alderman Vazzi commented: "It's great to see that the city is putting money back into these downtown businesses," praising the continued investment.

Council placed the related resolution on the agenda for final action at next week's council meeting.