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Council asked to fund Town Center revitalization projects
(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - June 10, 2010)
Grove City Council is expected to vote on additional funds to revitalize the Town Center.
At the June 7 meeting, council heard the first reading of an ordinance to appropriate $48,430 for engineering of the Town Center green frame plan. There was also a first reading to set aside an additional $50,000 for the Town Center grant program.
Council had previously asked the city administrator to encourage alternative development to the lumberyard property and submit a priority list for community improvements outlined in what is called the green frame plan.
According to the ordinance, the funds would allow the city "better define" the impacts of the proposed green frame plan. The green frame plan involves improvements to the streetscape in the Town Center such as roadway improvements, increased street lighting, and improved utilities and sidewalks.
The funds would also allow the city to have a better grasp on constructability and project costs. The preliminary engineering would support future funding opportunities.
The overall Town Center plan is to incorporate a mixed-use development where residents can live, work and play.
City Administrator Phil Honsey said he wants to get the public and business owners working with the city on the planning process.
"We're looking to design this with folks," said Honsey. "Hopefully, we can work together and come back to council with a plan."
The city is currently working to establish a process of community involvement on the
Town Center revitalization.
The city is also working on a few short-term projects concerning the downtown area including resurfacing Broadway, adding parking off Park Street and adding bicycle connectivity throughout the area.
Council will also see an ordinance to appropriate $50,000 from the general fund for the Town Center commercial revitalization grant program.
In July 2001, the city established a grant program. In March 2010, city leaders voted to expand that program by matching grant dollars ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Those grant dollars have been used. To continue the program, the city would need additional money.
The grant program is designed to assist business owners in improving their property. Grant funds could be used for repairs to help the general appearance of the business such as facade painting, signage, landscaping, window replacement and parking lot striping. The maximum grant award is $10,000 per building, per year.
Council is scheduled to vote on both measures at the next council meeting on June 21. The public meeting is held at City Hall, 4035 Broadway, at 7 p.m.
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