The Carroll City Council voted during their June 10 meeting to increase the dollar amount for grants awarded to downtown businesses interested in improving their exterior facades as party of the city’s revitalization efforts. In April, the council approved a $250,000 investment in the central retail district, including two $100,000 grants for larger “demonstration” projects and five $10,000 grants. City Manager Aaron Kooiker says one of their chosen demonstration projects will likely receive funding from sources outside the city, opening the local funds for other uses.
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Since the funds have already been allocated, Kooiker suggested that the council increase the $10,000 grants to $25,000. The council previously adopted a downtown design guide recommended by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Downtown Resources Center, and chosen applicants would need to conform to the specifications laid out in that document. Applications will be reviewed by a three-person committee, which includes Kooiker and Carroll Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kimberly Tiefenthaler, but the council has final say on selection. Ward 1 Councilman Tom Bordenaro says city officials will need to review current ordinances, as there may be some conflict between city code and the design guide.
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Kooiker adds that changing the ordinance to coincide with the design guide is not difficult and can be done as discrepancies are discovered. The council voted unanimously to approve the grant guidelines and applications and adjusted the dollar amount to $25,000 each for the façade grants. Downtown business owners interested in participating in the program are asked to contact Carroll City Hall for more information and application details.