TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and possibly take action authorizing the City Manager or her designee, to administer the Heritage District Façade Improvement Program for FY12-13 and expenditure of up to $50,000 from the FY12-13 Non-Departmental, Technical budget line (10010000-53340). Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
City Council allocated $50,000 in the FY12-13 City Budget to fund improvement projects in the Heritage District. At the April 17, 2012 City Council meeting, staff proposed amendments to Maricopa City Code Chapter 10: Offenses that would eliminate Code exemptions for the Heritage District and use of the $50,000 to support resulting, required cleanup efforts. City Council tabled the item and directed staff to work with the Heritage District Citizens Advisory Committee to identify other projects that would improve the Heritage District without adversely impacting residents' quality of life.
City staff, with Heritage District Citizens Advisory Committee support, is now proposing to use the $50,000 for a Façade Improvement Program. In addition to the $50,000 that would be funded through the FY12-13 City Budget, the City has applied to the Gila River Indian Community for an additional $85,000 in grant funding.
The purpose of the Façade Improvement Program is to improve the appearance of the street-facing exteriors of commercial and residential structures within the Heritage District area. The Program's mission would be to stimulate revitalization and private sector capital investment by proactively addressing deteriorating property conditions and encouraging improvements which increase economic vitality.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the Façade Improvement Program.