A Bit More About Phase III of the Downtown Facade Program

IRONWOOD, MI - Saturday, July 05, 2008 - Last week Community Development Director Dan Petersen held an informational for those downtown Ironwood businesses that were interested in participating in Phase III of the downtown Facade Improvement Program. The meeting was held at 8:00 AM in the Women's Club Room on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building.

At the meeting, Petersen gave a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) sponsored program. Here is a brief overview of that PowerPoint presentation:

About the Program

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds can assist in exterior improvement to buildings, including:
• Paint
• Awnings
• Windows
• Parapet Caps
• Lighting NOT Related to Signage
• Tuckpointing
• MATCH dollars can be used to cover any of the above and other improvements not directly related to the building
• Signs
• Roofs
• Sidewalks
• Sandblasting and other State Historic Preservation Office
• Property must be free of any encumbrances (liens, default on bills to the City, default on taxes, etc.)

Highlights

• Dollar-for-dollar match by building owners
• No costs can be incurred prior to the final contract being signed
• Department of Environmental Quality
• State Historic Preservation Office
• There is a FIVE-YEAR, prorated resale provision
• Once Bid Specifications have been approved, they cannot be changed

Example of Resale Provision

• Project Cost = $10,000
• Public Dollar Contribution = $5,000
• Year One (100% Payback) = $5,000
• Year Two (80% Payback) = $4,000
• Year Three (60% Payback) = $3,000
• Year Four (40% Payback) =$2,000
• Year Five (20% Payback) = $1,000
• Beyond 5 Years (No Payback) = -0-

Next Steps

• Letter with possible Buildings to be included in Phase III
• Site visit from MSHDA Representative
• Each Community is required to submit a completed Fast Track Funding Request Letter.
• Number of Buildings
• Total Amount of Private Funding
• Total Amount of Public Funding
• Project Description for Each Property
• Downtown Goals
• Boundary Map
• Identify Program Administrator
• Budget/Preliminary Funding Request
• Sketches/Renderings
• Once tentatively approved, the community will be authorized to complete a streamlined Notice of Intent/Application. This may include an architectural rendering.
• Application Due October 31, 2008
• Bids (Two Contractors Must Bid)
• Contract
• Begin Construction

Business Owner's Next Steps, If Approved

• Project Description for Each Property
• Sit down with a contractor and explain exactly what you would like to see out of this program. "Attachment 2"
• Bid Specifications
• Cost Estimate
• Commitment Letter - "Attachment 3"
• Renderings of Completed Project
• TO BE COMPLETED AND RECEIVED BY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

For more information on Phase III of the Downtown Facade Improvement Program, contact: Dan Petersen, Community Development Director at (906) 932-5050.