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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-08; Housing & Redevelopment Commission; 420; Funding Village Storefront Improvement Grant Prog14 HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA BILL AB# 420 MTG. 12/08/09 DEPT. HSG&RDV PROGRAM APPROVAL AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDING FOR VILLAGE STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM DEPT. HEAlT D^^ CITY ATTY. /*^- CITY MGR. ^__ RECOMMENDED ACTION: ADOPT Carlsbad Housing and Redevelopment Commission Resolution No. 480 APPROVING implementation of the Village Storefront Improvement Grant program, and appropriation of funds. ITEM EXPLANATION: The Village Area is known for being unique, charming, and as having a quintessential essence unlike any other downtown in San Diego County. However, as the years have progressed, the need for building improvements or simple "face lifts" has become evident. In light of the hardships brought on by the current economy, many property owners have found it difficult to finance these needed improvements. Recognizing the financing difficulties, staff is recommending that the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency adopt and implement a Storefront Improvement Grant Program (SIGP). The intent of the SIGP is to provide financial assistance to property owners and/or business tenants seeking to renovate or restore their commercial storefronts, building facades and/or window display areas. This financial assistance is only being offered to those commercial businesses operating in the Village. The Redevelopment Agency realizes the value in partnering with property owners and/or business tenants to revitalize the Village Area with direct public investment as well as offering a SIGP to encourage additional private investment. If implemented, the SIGP will offer a grant for the total cost of materials, supplies, equipment, and/or products related to storefront improvements and window display areas, with a maximum grant of $15,000 per property/building. Applicants for the grant will be required to pay for all labor and labor related costs for the storefront improvements. The property owner and/or business owner will be expected to match the grant dollar for dollar through the cost of additional materials, supplies, equipment and/or products (beyond the maximum) as well as the labor for installation and/or construction of the improvements. In-kind services or "sweat equity" may be used for calculating the matching funds consideration. DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Courtney Enriquez 760.434.2812, Courtney.Enriquez@carlsbadca.gov FOR CITY CLERKS USE ONLY. COMMISSION ACTION: APPROVED DENIED CONTINUED WITHDRAWN AMENDED D D D Q CONTINUED TO DATE SPECIFIC D CONTINUED TO DATE UNKNOWN D RETURNED TO STAFF D OTHER-SEE MINUTES D Page 2 of AB# As a benefit, the SIGP also proposes to offer the opportunity for property owners and/or business tenants to consult with a professional commercial storefront contractor. At no cost to the SIGP applicant, the contractor will complete a written store audit that provides an analysis of the applicant's business signage and storefront windows, lighting, colors, design, and overall customer appeal and assist with preparing an improvement plan for said business. As part of the SIGP, the grant funds could be used for enhancing storefronts with additional exterior lighting, window display lighting and/or other efforts to "animate" their window displays to enhance visual interest. This would help to implement the business strategy for the Village Area which encourages a more "light hearted" and/or "visually brighter" ambiance. Staff is requesting an initial appropriation of $300,000 for the Storefront Improvement Grant Program as a pilot project. This would allow for funding of improvements for approximately 16 to 17 buildings/stores total if the maximum amount of funds are granted under the program. It would also allow for approximately $50,000 in consultant costs if determined to be necessary or desirable for implementation purposes. If the pilot project is received positively by the business community, is successful and ultimately determined to provide the desired public benefit, staff will resubmit for additional funding consideration at a later date. Attached for review is a copy of the SIGP description and related criteria for participation. FISCAL IMPACT: At this time, staff is recommending an appropriation of $300,000 to initiate the Village Storefront Improvement Grant Program. This would allow for approximately 16 to 17 grants at the maximum amount ($15,000 each). It would also allow for an appropriation of approximately $50,000 for consultant services, if needed. The current projected cash balance for the Village Redevelopment Operations fund totals approximately $1,659,000. Therefore, there are adequate funds to approve the appropriation of $300,000 to the Storefront Improvement Grant Program at this time from the noted cash balance. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: As a funding program to provide grants for minor storefront improvements in the Village business district, the Village SIGP is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Section 15378(b)(4) of the CEQA Guidelines exclude from environmental review "the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities" provided that they do not commit the City to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Page 3 of AB#_ EXHIBITS: 1. Housing and Redevelopment Commission Resolution No. 480 , approving the program description and appropriation of funds ($300,000) to implement the Storefront Improvement Grant Program in the Village 2. Storefront Improvement Program Manual 3. Storefront Improvement Program Brochure 1 RESOLUTION NO. 480 2 A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF 3 CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE PROGRAM , DESCRIPTIONS AND THE INITIAL APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VILLAGE 5 STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM. 6 WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Commission is furthering its 7 commitment towards revitalization of the Village; and8 9 WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Commission recognizes the 10 benefit of public investment and continues to encourages private investment in the 11 Village; and 12 WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Agency has previously agreed to provide and 13 implement a program which will provide timely financial assistance to Village property 14 and/or business owners for storefront and/or window display improvements to eliminate 15 blight or blighting influences; and 16 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Housing and Redevelopment 17 Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 18 19 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 20 2. That the Housing and Redevelopment Commission hereby approves the 21 program description for the Village Storefront Improvement Grant Program as 22 submitted and attached hereto for reference. 23 3. That the Housing and Redevelopment Commission hereby authorizes the 24 Housing and Redevelopment Director, or other designee as determined by 25 the City Manager, to implement said program within the Village Area and 26 approve and/or decline said grants on behalf of the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency to eliminate blight and/or blighting influences by improving 1 deteriorating and/or outdated buildings and/or enhancing lighting for visual 2 enhancement and security purposes. 4. That the Housing and Redevelopment Commission hereby authorizes the 4 Finance Director to appropriate and allow for the expenditure of up to 5 $300,000 from the Village Redevelopment Operations Cash Balance on 6 behalf of the Redevelopment Agency for the proposed Village Storefront Improvement Grant Program, and related consultant costs as appropriate.o 9 //// 10 //// 1 1 //// 12 //// 13 //// 14 //// 15 16 17 18 19 "" 20 //// 21 //// 22 //// 23 //// 24 //// 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Special Meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Commission of the City of Carlsbad on the 8th day of December. 2009, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Council Members Lewis, Kulchin, and Blackburn. NOES: None. ABSENT: Council Members Hall, and Packard. CLAUDE A. LEWIS, CHAIRMAN ATTEST: HILDABRAND, SECRETARY (SEAL) Exhibit 2&3 CITVOF <<•!CARISBADV STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM MANUAL Jin Incentive (Program for-tyw and (jwwing Village, businesses Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 2965 Roosevelt Street, Suite B Carlsbad, CA 92008 Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency Storefront Improvement Grant Program 1 of 10 INTENT The intent of the Storefront Improvement SIP Program (SIP) is to provide financial assistance, in the form of matching funds, to property owners and/or business tenants seeking to renovate or restore their commercial storefronts and/or building facades (e.g. energy efficient lighting, windows, exterior signage, entryways, etc.). If your building or business is located within the boundaries of the Village Area (see attached map), the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency wants to provide property owners and/or business tenants with some assistance to create a more attractive and unique structure. The SIP's objectives are to: • Assist new and established commercial businesses to improve their "public face" and ultimately attract more customers & increase sales • Bring further illumination to the area with more ambient lighting; this activity would enhance the atmosphere and provide for a more welcoming streetscape • Leverage private investment to visually improve existing Village buildings • Create a more inviting and interesting Village which has long been recognized as a great place to walk, shop, dine, and experience HOW DOES THE SIP WORK? The Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency recognizes the value in actively working with property and business owners to reinvigorate the Village Area with direct public investment as well as SIPs to encourage additional private investment. Therefore, the SIP will offer a grant for up to $15,000 per building and/or property for materials, supplies, or products for storefront improvements, including window display, interior lighting, and other related equipment to allow for animated storefronts. The property and/or business owner shall be required to pay for all labor costs to install and/or construct the improvements approved for this grant funding. This grant shall require proof of a dollar for dollar match by the property and/or business owner. The match may represent the funds expended by the property and/or business owner on additional materials, supplies, equipment and/or products as well as the labor costs for installation and/or construction of the improvements. In-Kind services or "sweat equity" may be used for calculating the matching funds consideration at an agreed upon hourly rate. The applicant shall be required to provide proof of expenditures and payment, as well as the matching funds, in order to receive the grant/reimbursement funds. The following are examples of the type of projects and costs that are eligible for the grant funds: Example #1: A property or business owner added new Agency-approved signs and awnings to his/her building. The final signs and awnings (products) are eligible for reimbursement but the costs for design and installation must be paid for by the applicant. Example #2: With an Agency-approved plan a property owner painted his/her commercial building, replaced windows and doors, added some exterior landscaping and lighting, added awnings, and replaced the building signage according to an Agency-approved plan. The paint and related supplies, the window and doors, plants, trees and lighting, the awning and signs Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 2 of 10 Storefront Improvement Grant Program are all eligible for the grant funds. All costs associated with labor must be paid for by the applicant. Example #3: A business owner and property owner together completely renovate the exterior of a building according to an Agency-approved plan by replacing storefront window(s) and entryway, installing energy efficient lighting for enhanced curb appeal, repairing and painting the exterior walls, installing new exterior planters, enhancing landscaping, completing modifications for improved handicap accessibility purposes and adding numerous decorative architectural features such as decorative lighting, attractive window display areas and/or interesting and customized interactive features. In this scenario, the cost of supplies, equipment, and products will most likely exceed $15,000, which is the maximum grant amount. The property/business owner will be eligible for reimbursement from the grant program for up to $15,000 and then include the additional costs as part or all of their matching funds commitment. All costs associated with labor must be paid for by the applicant. Storefront Enhancement Consulting Advice In addition to the SIP, the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency will contract with one or more display, retail, design and equipment consultants/contractors to provide assistance to applicants on store design and customer attraction improvements. At no cost to the applicant, the consultant will complete a written store audit that provides an analysis of the applicant's business signage and store windows, lighting, flooring, counter area, wall and floor fixtures, colors, merchandising, and overall customer appeal. Applicants can utilize this information to prepare a storefront improvement work plan. Applicants will be responsible for hiring licensed architects and contractors, and obtaining any required building permits, to refine the conceptual ideas provided by the consultant and to implement any improvements and for the costs associated with all labor for all improvements. The grant funds noted above can be used to reimburse the business owner for the costs of supplies, equipment and products related to these improvements. It is very important to note that any storefront improvements made prior to SIP implementation date or prior to written approval of a proposed design/plan by the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency will not be eligible for reimbursement funding and will not be considered part of the eligible project under this SIP. ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS The following criteria must be met for participation in the SIP: 1) Eligible properties/buildings must provide for a commercial service (exchange or buying and selling of a service commodity) and/or for retail product sales (sell goods directly to the consumer). Residential properties are not eligible for funding. 2) Applicants must be the property owner and/or business tenant of the property proposed for improvement and the property must be located within the designated boundaries of the Village Area (see attached map); 3) The business must be an independent business that is not required by contractual arrangement to maintain standardized decor, architecture, signs or similar features; Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 3 of 10 Storefront Improvement Grant Program 4) Business owners (if not also the property owner) must have written approval from property owners to participate in the SIP and for all improvements; 5) Property owners must be financially current on all municipal taxes and fees prior to participation, and shall have no active code enforcement complaints against the subject property; 6) Property/Business owners must certify that their buildings and related facilities (such as parking areas) provide for basic American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance as required by State law or that the subject improvements will allow for compliance; 7) Applicants must be in compliance, or in the process of complying, with all other State and local laws and regulations pertaining to licensing, permits, building code and zoning requirements. Non-conforming buildings from a land use or licensing perspective will not be permitted to receive these grant funds. Exclusions: The following types of businesses/properties, or projects, are not eligible for assistance: • New construction • Non-commercial businesses • National franchises (where the applicant is the business franchisee) • Religious institutions • Properties owned or occupied by a public agency • Residential Property (rental or ownership) DESIGN PRINCIPLES & GUIDELINES Improvements to be funded by the SIP must be compatible with the character and architecture of the individual building as well as, to the extent appropriate, with other buildings along the street on which the participating storefront is located and the Village as a whole and must be pre-approved by the Redevelopment Agency. This principle is particularly important to maintain the charming and quintessential essence of the Village. Listed below are general guidelines that should be considered when improving your storefront: • All improvements must be compatible with applicable zoning, building and safety codes, satisfy permit requirements, and conform to Village development standards and design guidelines. • Energy efficient and Energy Star products are strongly encouraged during enhancements. • Colors of exterior materials, signs, window frames, canopies and other building features should be coordinated. Choice of colors should be determined by the nature of the building and the architecture. "Look at me" colors or colors which are not consistent with the Village character will not be permitted. • Building facades should relate to their surroundings and provide a sense of cohesiveness in the Village without strict uniformity. Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 4 of 10 Storefront Improvement Grant Program lo • Where applicable and feasible, a building's distinguishing architectural and/or other design elements should be identified and preserved. • Individuality within a standardized or unified appearance is encouraged for single buildings containing multiple storefronts. • The use of traditional building materials is encouraged. Whether using traditional or non-traditional materials, however, the quality of the design and durability of materials chosen will be factors in the consideration of all designs. ELIGIBLE STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENTS A minimum of $2,500 in eligible costs must be made to qualify for the SIP grant. The storefronts should be oriented to the pedestrian and provide visual interest both day and night. Effort should be made to facilitate access into the store and to create a store identity unique to the Village of Carlsbad. The following improvements are eligible costs and are encouraged: • Window display areas which are appropriately scaled and which facilitate night viewing (i.e., provide for all night window lighting); • Window replacement and window framing visible from the street which are appropriately scaled to the building; • Signage that is attractively integrated into the architecture of the building, including the window area, awnings or canopies, and entryways; removal and replacement of non- conforming signage; • Lighting that is visually appealing and appropriately illuminates signage, storefront window displays, and recessed areas of a storefront or building facade; • Awnings or canopies that can be both functional and visually appealing; • Landscaping features attached to the building where appropriate, such as window boxes, hanging flower baskets, or planters; • Cleaning, repainting or residing of buildings; • New storefront construction, appropriately scaled within an existing building; and • Removal of architectural barriers to public accessibility. Other improvements can be made with written approval if they meet the general goals and objectives of the SIP. SIP ASSISTANCE Financial Assistance Funding offered is a grant with a maximum grant contribution per application/property/building of $15,000 for eligible costs of materials, supplies, equipment and products related to storefront improvements including window displays. Funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The funds shall be provided by the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency as a grant, no repayment is required. Only one grant shall be awarded per building/property. The Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 5 of 10 Storefront Improvement Grant Program SIP will only reimburse applicants after the applicant has paid his/her vendor(s) in full and after the project is determined to have been completed in accordance with the plan approved by the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency and proof of matching funds as been provided and approved by the Agency. In addition, the applicant must pay all labor costs; no labor or other professional services may be paid for with the subject grant funds. Applicants must undertake construction of facade improvements and/or window display improvements within ninety (90) days from the date that the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency approves the commitment or the financial award will expire. Extensions may be granted by the Redevelopment Director for extenuating circumstances. Technical Assistance The Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency and consultant(s), as appropriate, can provide technical advice for the benefit of the property owners and business tenants. All applicants are encouraged to meet with the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency staff prior to submitting a SIP grant application. Improvement plans must all be pre-approved by the Agency to be eligible for the grant funds. PROCESS To benefit from this SIP, a business/property owner must adhere to the following process: Step 1: Complete the appropriate application form and provide 1) a copy of current business license and proof of property ownership; 2) a photograph of the existing facade; 3) drawings/plan which reflect the storefront improvements to be completed or installed; and, 4) a written itemization of work items to be accomplished with a cost estimate for each item and a total cost for the improvements and materials, supplies, equipment and/or products. Step 2: Once the application and storefront improvement plan has been approved by the Agency, the property owner/business tenant will receive an assistance "commitment" letter from the Agency. The property owner/business tenant may then proceed with the storefront improvements. Step 3: After the improvements are complete, the business/property owner may request reimbursement (with all necessary documents) from the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency for the final eligible costs. Step 4: The Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency shall inspect the property, review the reimbursement request (with related documentation) and then forward payment to the property owner/business tenant for eligible expenses. TERMINATION The Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency reserves the right to rescind its commitment letter and/or refuse payment of the grant funds if an applicant is found to be in violation of any conditions set forth in these guidelines or if the project has been started prior to approval of a commitment letter by the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency. Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 6 of 10 Storefront Improvement Grant Program Application and Supplemental Information If you wish to participate in the Storefront Improvement SIP, please contact Courtney Enriquez at (760).434.2812 or by e-mail at Courtnev.Enriauez(5)carlsbadca.gov. The Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency will provide written materials in alternative formats and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to persons with disabilities upon request. Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 7 of 10 Storefront Improvement Grant Program City of Carlsbad Village Redevelopment Project Area o 600 0 600 1200 Feet N /cargis2/products/redevdb/r96.00/villredevpcl 02/28/01 W *Rf E S CARLSBAD REDVELOPMENT AGENCY CARLSBAD - STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT APPLICATION FORM -> Please submit the following pages to the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency for processing I. Applicant Information 1) Applicant's Name: _ Mailing Address: Telephone Number: Fax Number: E-mail: Web Site: 2) Business Organization of Applicant: Q Corporation (d/b/a) Q Partnership fj Sole Proprietorship Business Name: 3) Relationship of Applicant to the storefront to be renovated: fj Owner: Attach copy of latest tax bill and proof of payment. Q Tenant: a) Attach a copy of the Carlsbad Business License, and b) Attach written permission from building owner to participate in the SIP, including expiration date of present lease. II. Proposed Project Information 1) Description of Building to be Rehabilitated: Street Address: Building Dimensions: Frontage: _feet - Depth feet ~ Height feet - # of Floors Does the building contain residential units? (if yes, how many? ) 2) Describe the scope of work proposed for the storefront improvement project. (Check all that apply and/or describe improvement ideas.) QStorefront Windows QExterior Lighting QExterior Painting OExterior Signage QStorefront Door [^Accessible Entry QAwning/Canopy QExterior Siding QPaneling Repair QArchitectural Designs QLandscaping/Hanging Baskets QOther: 3) Please indicate the estimated project cost or the total amount budgeted for improvements, with separate estimates for materials and labor. $ Total Project Cost/Budget Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 8 of 10 Storefront Improvement Grant Program 4) Please provide information on the architect responsible for your drawings, plans, and permits: Name: Address: Telephone Number: Fax Number: E-mail: Website: 5) The following attachments are required with application: • Copy of current Business License • Project schedule • Photographs of existing storefront/building and proposed project area • Schematic drawings illustrating proposed work, or pictures with project descriptions • Itemized work plan to be accomplished with a cost estimate for each item and a total cost for the improvements, with separate estimate for materials and labor. III. Certification The undersigned hereby represents and certifies to the best of his/her knowledge and belief that the information contained on this statement and any exhibits or attachments hereto are true and complete and accurately describe the proposed project, and the undersigned agrees to promptly inform the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency of any changes in the proposed project which may occur. Signature of Property Owner Date Print Name Signature of Commercial Tenant (if applicant) Date Print Name Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 9 of 10 Storefront Improvement Grant Program RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION Deliver, Mail, E-mail or Fax Completed Application to: City of Carlsbad, Housing and Redevelopment c/o Courtney Enriquez 2965 Roosevelt Street, Ste. B Carlsbad, CA 92008 Telephone Number: 760.434.2812 Fax Number: 760.720.2037 E-mail: Courtnev.Enriquez@carlsbadca.gov CARLSBAD' > What can JOU^storefront look like? Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 10 of 10 Storefront Improvement Grant Program Reinvest in Storefront Add light to your animated storefronts, enhance the windows, maintain the window planters, and install new signage to help attract business! The Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency recognizes the value in actively working with property owners and business tenants to reinvigorate the Village with direct investment and programs that encourage private investment. What can ^O^storefront look like? CITY OF xv ,»CARLSBAIT ^ Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency 2965 Roosevelt Street, Ste. B Carlsbad, CA 92008 Phone: 760.434.2815 Fax: 760.720.2037 Website: www.carlsbadca.gov/housing Storefront Improvement Grant Program Sin Incentive. Program for 9{ew and grouting ViCfage. 'Businesses www.carlsbadca.gov/ redevelopment Storefront Improvement Grant Program The intent of the Storefront Improvement Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to property owners or business tenants seeking to renovate or restore their storefront and/or building fagade. The Program's objectives are to: • Help new and established businesses attract customers. • Leverage private investment with inspired improvements to Village buildings. •Create a more inviting and interesting place to walk, shop, dine, and experience. Enhanced exterior lighting warms up the entry, invites those passing by, and showcases this art gallery at night. HOW DOES THE STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WORK? • Funding offered is a grant to reimburse the applicant for project costs related materials, supplies, equipment and/or products, with a maximum reimbursement of $15,000. Appli- cant must pay for labor costs. • $1 for $1 matching funds must be provided by applicant, which may include "sweat eq- .us uity"- • One grant awarded per property/building. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? • Applicants must be property owners and/or business tenants operating within the Village Area boundaries. • Participants must be current on all municipal taxes and have no current code violations. • Properties must be ADA compliant as required by State law, or propose improve- ments to become compliant. GENERAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES & GUIDELINES • All improvements must be compatible with applicable zoning codes, satisfy permit requirements, and conform to Village development standards. • Creativity is always encouraged! • Colors of exterior materials, signs, window frames, canopies and other building features should be coordinated. Choice of colors should be determined by the nature of the building. • Building facades should relate to their surroundings and provide a sense of cohesiveness in the Village without strict uniformity. —» Please see program manual for complete listing of design principles and guidelines. Visually appealing, unique characteristics make this sign an attractive entrance piece. ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS Storefronts should be oriented to the pedestrian and provide both visual interest both day and night. Effort should be made to facilitate access into the store and to create a store identity unique to the Village. The following improvements are just examples of encouraged enhancements: • Window display areas which are appropri- ately scaled to facilitate night viewing. • Signage that is attractively integrated into the architecture of the building. • Awnings, canopies, or marquees that are functional and appealing. • Energy efficient lighting to illuminate signage and storefront window displays. • Animation of storefront window. • Landscaping window boxes, hanging flower baskets and storefront plants. -»The above list is not all-encompassing. Other improvements are eligible if they meet the general ob- jectives and goals of the Storefront Improvement Grant Program. PROGRAM EXCLUSIONS • New construction and national franchises. • Non-commercial businesses. • Religious institutions or properties owned or occupied by a public agency. • Residential property (rental or ownership). Download the Storefront Improvement Grant Program manual and application at www.carlsbadca.gov/redevelopment or call 760.434.2815 Storefront Improvement Grant Program December 8, 2009 Courtney Enriquez Housing and Redevelopment Storefront Improvement Grant •Program objectives Mechanics of the SIGP •Funding offered is a grant to reimburse the applicant. •Applicant must pay for labor costs. •1:1 •One grant per property/building. SIGP Eligibility General Design Guidelines Eligible Improvements •Energy efficient lighting to illuminate signage and storefront. •Awnings, canopies, or marquees that are functional and appealing. •Landscaped window boxes and hanging flower baskets. SIGP Exclusions •New construction •Non-commercial businesses •National franchises •Religious institutions •Residential property Reinvest in Your Storefront Recommended Commission Action •APPROVE the program description and appropriate funds ($300,000) to implement the Storefront Improvement Grant Program in the Village.