Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the amendment of the scope of prior ordinances approved to fund the Department of Development’s Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Interior Grant Program and the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Exterior Grant Program.
The Department of Development has two grant programs that support the renovation of small businesses in the city’s Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (“NCR”) areas, which include Franklinton, Hilltop, Main Street, Parsons Avenue, Long Street, Mount Vernon, and Cleveland Ave in Linden. Historically, these two programs were separate programs and each piece of funding legislation specifically stated it was for “exterior”, “façade”, or “storefront” improvements or “interior” improvements. The department wishes to combine the two programs into one grant program, the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Interior/Exterior Grant Program.
Allowing the funds to be used for either interior or exterior renovation allows for improved programmatic and financial efficiency of the program. The Development Department began a pilot program funding interior improvements in 2014 and has learned that many businesses apply for and receive grants for both interior and exterior renovations. Merging these funds will allow for increased efficiency for small businesses and the department in administering the funds.
This legislation amends prior ordinances 1023-2012 and 2739-2013 to allow funds from the separate programs to be used to fund either interior or exterior renovations.
Emergency action is requested to prevent disruption in the grant program.
Title
To authorize the amendment of the scope of prior ordinances (1023-2012 and 2739-2013) approved to fund the Department of Development’s Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Interior Grant Program and the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Exterior Grant Program; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Development to...
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