CORTLAND — During Monday evening’s session, the Council received the initial presentation of an ordinance aimed at establishing a business facade grant program within the city.
Proposed by Mayor Deidre Petrosky, the potential grant program involves allocating $15,000 from the city’s main fund in 2023 and 2024 to improve the facades of local commercial properties. Local businesses can seek matching grants of up to 25% of the total project cost, capped at $2,500.
Facade Improvement Guidelines
According to the ordinance’s definition, a facade pertains to the building’s entrance or any part visible to the public. Roof or internal repairs are not eligible for the grant.
This initiative is part of the city’s broader business revitalization plan.
Additional Reading: For Journalists Who Need To Earn Extra, Elon Musk Has An Provide
MBG’s Investment in the Future
“It’s a product of MBG (Promoting and Marketing and Business Progress Committee),” Petrosky explained. “We worked on this and set aside $15,000 as matching grant funding for this year and the next year. Hopefully, by 2025, we’ll have new planning and zoning laws in place to generate funds for this program.”
The mayor clarified that it would be a reimbursable grant.
Businesses will need to complete a form provided by the city. A complete application should include a “before” photo of the building, a signed property image release waiver, at least three building quotes, and a written proposal description.
The first reading passed by unanimous vote, though council members raised some concerns regarding the regulations.
Councilman John Picuri inquired if the grant program would be first-come, first-served, to which Petrosky replied negatively, stating it would be competitive.
Councilman Don Moore
“Will businesses have enough time since we won’t approve this until the second meeting in September?” questioned Councilman Don Moore.
“We’d need to do three readings. I mean, it gives them basically the month of October to do it, and that includes getting three bids,” Moore suggested.
Petrosky supported Moore’s idea and noted that although the approach’s details could change, the ordinance wouldn’t need altering.
“We are going to change that,” Petrosky said. “It’s not a big deal; it doesn’t change the ordinance itself.”
Moore proposed that instead of an October deadline for applications, businesses should have until closer to the end of November.
The mayor supported Moore’s idea and explained that due to the year’s late timing, projects wouldn’t have to be completed until December 2024. The ordinance indicates that not finishing projects within the specified timeframe could result in revoking matching funds.
“I want to express my gratitude to all those involved in this,” stated Council President Kevin Piros.
Business Eligibility Beyond Downtown Cortland
Councilman Dick McClain emphasized that this approach isn’t confined to downtown Cortland; any business can apply.
During the session, the Council:
- Approved an ordinance for service director Kim Blasco to acquire a 2023 Ford F250 4×4 pickup truck from Mark Thomas Ford, with a cost ceiling of $51,395.
- Listened to the second reading of an ordinance permitting Blasco to procure privacy slats from Utah-based Slat Depot. These slats would be used for the new fencing surrounding the city’s service garage in Willow Park, with the expenses not surpassing $5,220.
- Implemented an emergency ordinance that defines the remuneration and terms of employment for special projects coordinator Jeffrey Jiang. In this capacity, Jiang will be working 30 hours per week at a rate of $15.77 per hour.