Loading...
RES 2017-10 Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10 A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH THE GEORGIA AVENUE OVERLAY DISTRICT FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have discussed over a period of time the advisability of establishing a facade improvement program to encourage revitalization in the Georgia Avenue Overlay District; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council, as part of the 2017 budget process, funded the program for the 2017 budget year, not to exceed $40,000 from the Capital Projects Fund; and WHEREAS, specifics of the program have been established and a specific facade grant application prepared; and WHEREAS, a grant agreement has also been prepared for utilization with this program; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have determined that this program is in the best interest of the City and should be promulgated at this time. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of North Augusta, in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof, that: 1. The Mayor and City Council do hereby establish the Georgia Avenue Overlay District Facade Improvement Program. 2. The specifics of the program, to include the method of applying for such assistance and the proposed agreement to be entered into by the City with the landowner, is attached hereto, marked "Exhibit A" and incorporated by reference. 3. The City Administrator is hereby authorized to proceed with the implementation of this program and to execute facade grant agreements in accordance with the documents attached hereto, to include the execution of the façade grant agreement(s) when appropriate. DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA,ON THIS THE 20TH DAY OF MARCH,2017. Lark W. Jones, Mayor ATTEST: _jn( . Donna B. Young, City lerk EXHIBIT A ..\\, North __.. . . Augusta \-r South C(1r()Iina's i?ittelfrot n Georgia Avenue Overlay District Façade Improvement Program Program Overview The City of North Augusta's Façade Improvement Program is intended to encourage revitalization in the Georgia Avenue Overlay District. This program provides grant funds to finance high-quality exterior improvements to a property owner's or tenant's building. The program is managed by the Façade Grant Design Committee, under the direction of the City Administrator and guidance of the Planning birector. Program Purpose The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for property owners and businesses to upgrade the exterior of their buildings to help retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown area, increase utilization of existing businesses, restore economic vitality, and enhance property values. The Georgia Avenue Overlay District is the downtown commercial core of the City of North Augusta and the prime area for infiltration of new businesses due to available property and high amounts of traffic along Georgia Avenue. This area is a major focus for beautification because of its importance to the city's image and ability to attract new residents and investment. See the attached Georgia Avenue Overlay District Map for an outline of the properties. Available Funding The Program is a reimbursement program; payment will be issued to property/business owners upon completion of the project. The applicant is responsible for contracting out all design and construction related to improvements to the exterior façades of an existing qualifying building. The program is administrated on a first come first served basis, to the limit of available funding and in accordance with the City of North Augusta appropriated funds for the fiscal year. If the total value of funding requested, for all new applications in any given year, exceeds the total amount of funding available, all applications will be prioritized by the Facade Grant Design Committee in coordination with city staff. Eligibility Applicants eligible to apply for the grant funding include property owners or business tenants that are willing to improve the exterior facades of existing buildings that may be viewed from public spaces within the City of North Augusta's designated Georgia Avenue Overlay District. Only those buildings with commercial use(s) at ground floor are eligible for grants. The City of North Augusta and Facade Grant Design Committee may make exceptions to these guidelines on a case by case basis, based on the project's influence on downtown development. Projects involving a previously funded building may be considered after completion of any previous projects. Owners may receive assistance for more than one building provided that funding is available. A maximum of one grant application per façade will be accepted per year. The City reserves the right to deny applications from businesses of non-conforming uses and from property and/or business owners who are delinquent on payment of taxes, fines or fees. Eligible Expenses Eligible expenses are exterior improvements, new or upgrades, on building facades that are intended to improve the aesthetic appearance. These may include: • Exterior signage • Painting • Awnings • Storefront enhancements • Surface treatments • Outdoor lighting • Redesign and reconstruction of the store front All work must be completed by a licensed contractor legally operating in the City of North Augusta and meet the design guidelines for this program. Ineligible Expenses Funds may not be used for improvements that are not permanent or mounted or affixed to the building or the sidewalk. Ineligible uses include but are not limited to: •Vinyl letter signage (windows) •Portable signs, such as sandwich board or A-frame signs; signs not mounted or attached to storefronts — Flags or banners •Benches and trash receptacles •Tables, chairs, or umbrellas •Moveable structures and equipment •Expenditures for ordinary repair and maintenance (i.e. cracked windows) •Improvements that are enforced due to code violations •Interior improvements Additionally, the Façade Improvement Grant Program will not be applied retroactively to projects construction started prior to written approval of an application. The Façade Grant Program may be applied retroactively to cover professional fees, if the work is part of the approved project. Façade Improvement Grants Grants are available for upgrading the general appearance of eligible façades. The maximum allowable award is $5,000 per project site (depending on the impact of the improvement on downtown economic development) with the property owner/business owner required to pay a match of at least 50% of the total project cost. For example, if the total project cost is $10,000, the applicant must provide $5,000 toward the project. Design Standards All proposed façade improvement projects must adhere to the Georgia Avenue Overlay District. Façade Improvements must enhance the aesthetics of the Georgia Avenue Overlay District environment and celebrate the character of the individual buildings. See the full Georgia Avenue Overlay District Standards for more information. Materials and Colors The use of natural façade materials is recommended. Vinyl and aluminum sheeting materials are prohibited. Exposure of underlying brick and other heavy masonry is recommended. Awnings Awnings are encouraged to promote a more comfortable experience for pedestrians and add to the appearance of downtown. Signage and Lighting Aesthetically-pleasing signage is recommended. These include wall-mounted signs, projecting signs and small signs on windows and doors. Projected signs and flat signs on the buildings above awnings are particularly encouraged. Signs must fit the character of the building. Lighting should provide a sense of comfort and accent the architecture of the building and the graphics of the signage. Application Process Property or business owners interested in applying for improvement grants should contact the City Administrator to set up an appointment to discuss the potential project prior to submitting an application. The City Administrator and Planning Director will advise the applicant as to the applicable standards for the project. Application Package An application package for Façade Improvement Grants should include: • A completed Facade Improvement Grant Application (Copies are available on the city's website at www.northaugusta.net). • Verification of property ownership (Title or Deed of Trust) and, if a leasing business, a copy of the lease and consent letter from the property owner approving the proposed changes. • Proposed written scope of project. This may include a description of improvements and/or sketches/photos of new sign, awning, paint colors and or façade improvements. Architectural plans, elevations and/or perspective drawings and sketches or proposed improvements. • Color photos of the existing facades. • Project completion timeline. • Total estimate of project budget. Staff will review the application package to confirm that it is complete and then present to the Facade Grant Design Committee for review and recommendation. Applicants will be notified of approval, denial, or need for additional information within 30 days of the application. Any changes made from the original proposal must be submitted and approved through the same process. Any unapproved changes will disqualify the applicant from the program. Unless otherwise previously approved by the city, the project must be completed within 4 months of the approval date in order to receive funding. A reasonable extension may be granted, based upon the good faith efforts of the applicant. Distribution of Funds Grant funds will be distributed upon completion of the approved façade improvement project and the following: • Successful issuance and close out of all relevant permits, including construction, encroachment and sign permits. • Final inspection and approval of completed project by the city's building codes office. • Photographs, invoices and receipts are submitted to the City Administrator' and certified as in compliance with the original application. • Grant recipients agree to place a Georgia Avenue Overlay District Façade Improvement Grant Recipient sign at the construction site throughout the project and for a minimum of 180 days upon completion of the p jeCt. More Information Todd Glover, City Administrator (803) 441-4202 1b|Ower6�OOrth8UbuSC@.Det Planning Director (803) 441-4225 City of North Augusta Facade Grant Application Please fill out this application completely and legibly. Business Name Telephone Property Information Physical Address Fax Full Name Telephone Applicant Information Mailing Address Fax Email Federal Tax ID Number Full Name Telephone Owner Information Mailing Address Fax (if other than applicant) Email Federal Tax ID Number Proposed Façade Improvements (please specify) Scope of Proposed Project (include a summary of the building's current condition, areas to be improved and how, as well as any proposed materials or colors) Required Documentation (these items must be submitted with the signed Application) At least two color photographs of existing building façade. Photos, plans, or sketches of proposed improvements. Quotes, fee proposal, and any other back up that supports the proposed budget. Owner's permission, if necessary. I agree to comply with the guidelines and standards of the City of North Augusta Façade Grant Program and I understand that this is a voluntary program, under which the City has the right to approve or deny any project or proposal or portions thereof. Applicant Signature: Date: Owner Signature: Date: (if other than applicant) Submit the completed Application, with all required documentation attached . . . • by email to tglover a(�,northauqusta.net • by mail to Todd Glover, City of North Augusta, PO Box 6400, North Augusta, SC 29861 • or in person to the office of Todd Glover, City Hall, 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841 City of North Augusta Facade Grant Agreement THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this day of , , by and between the CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA (City) and (Grantee), whose address is Tax Parcel Number: WHEREAS the City has approved a façade improvement grant to Grantee subject to the execution of this Agreement, and Grantee desires to accept the grant and to abide by the terms of this Agreement, and WHEREAS the City has approved a grant in an amount of and No/100 Dollars ($0) for façade improvements at , North Augusta, South Carolina, NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows: 1. Grantee reaffirms that all information provided to the City in its Façade Grant Application is correct and accurate. 2. Grantee has read and agrees to abide by the provisions and requirements of the City of North Augusta Façade Grant Program. 3. All work performed by Grantee will be consistent with the approval by the City. If Grantee desires to make any changes in the project, Grantee will obtain written approval from the City before implementing such changes. Grantee understands that the City is not required to approve any changes. 4. Grantee agrees to complete the improvements within four (4) months from the date of this Agreement and understands that failure to complete the improvements within such period will result in forfeiture of the grant, if an extension has not been granted. 5. Grantee understands that the grant will be paid to Grantee only upon completion of the work, submission of all dated statements or invoices to the City, and approval by the City of the completed work. 6. Grantee will notify the City immediately if Grantee's interest in the subject property changes in any way. This Agreement is not assignable by Grantee without prior written approval of the City, which will not be unreasonably withheld. 7. Grantee hereby grants to the City the right to use pictures, renderings, or descriptions of the work for any and all promotional purposes desired by the City. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement on the day and year first written above. WITNESSES FOR THE CITY CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA By: WITNESSES FOR THE GRANTEE GRANTEE By: WITNESSES FOR OWNER OWNER (if other than Grantee) By: