Three local buildings may soon see exterior renovations as city commissioners consider funding requests at Monday night’s meeting.
Hardeep Gosal of Main Street Wines & Spirits wants to replace his storefront signage, while Anthony Brown is looking to replace siding and trim on the Farm Bureau Insurance building.
John Knipsel is requesting funds to help with the building across from City Hall at 700 ½ Main St. to repair and replace deteriorating wood, repaint exterior window frames and replace a fence.
The funding requests are part of the downtown grant program. City staff will recommend giving $3,665 to Main Street Wines & Spirits, $7,500 to Farm Bureau Insurance and $3,835 to the 700 Main Street building.
Businesses receiving money from the program must use the funding to enhance the quality of the property, enhance the sustainability of the property and expand operation in the downtown Eudora area.
The total amount for the 2024 projects is $15,000, which is included in the budget for the year.
Commissions will also hold a public hearing for the district during the regular meeting, then discuss the development plan and agreement with Alcove Development. Staff will present economic impacts involved with the implementation of the district. Members of the public will be able to address the commission during the public hearing portion of this item.
The new development is expected to bring 118 homes to a new neighborhood called Shadow Ridge North.
The board will then vote on whether or not to establish the reinvestment housing incentive district.
Assistant City Manager Zack Daniel already presented about the district to other taxing entities, the school district and county commission.
Representatives from Alcove Development are also expected to attend the meeting to provide further information into the need for the tool in this area.
The 30-day period for the school board and county to pass resolutions stating adverse effects brought due to the incentive district’s impact starts after Monday’s meeting.
The commission will also hear updates about the downtown grant program awards. Staff have reviewed applications and are recommending the approval of all three applicants. To be eligible, businesses have to be in operation for five years or receive endorsements from the KU Small Business Development Center. Applicants must also own the property wanting improvement, or receive permission from the owners, and must not be delinquent on city accounts.
The business must also use the funding to enhance the quality of the property, enhance the sustainability of the property and expand operation in the downtown Eudora area.
The staff recommends Main Street Wines & Spirits receive $3,665, Farm Bureau Insurance receive 7,500 and 700 Main Street Building, 700 ½ Main Street receive $3,835.
The total amount for the 2024 projects is $15,000, which is included in the budget for the year.
The city will also vote to update the city’s official zoning map. This is necessary after the city has changed zoning for a number of areas within the last year.
In other business, Maggie Bornholdt from Willow Domestic Violence Center and Community Navigator Laura Smith will speak about human trafficking awareness month. The commission is expected to approve a proclamation declaring January as the city’s human trafficking prevention and awareness month.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected]
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