Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

02/04/2020

BACKGROUND

The Schertz Main Street Area Preservation Incentive Program was initially created in 2015 and subsequently amended in 2016. The program provides 1:1 matching grants for improvements and repairs to historic structures, over 50 years old, in the designated Main Street Area. The program is available for structured used for both residential and commercial uses.

After review, it is recommended to amend the program to limit the use of grant funding for residential structures to only exterior improvements/repairs related to roofs, walls, and foundations. Grants for commercial properties can continue to be used for interior improvements like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work. Staff will work with the City Attorney to amend the grant agreement to provide safeguards to ensure that commercial property owners who receive a grant for interior work and convert the property to a residential use within a 5 year period must repay the grant or some similiar safeguard.

GOAL

Promote the history and culture of the City fo Schertz to tourists and residents.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Recognize and preserve structures in the City's historic Main Street Area.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Staff recommends approval of Resolution 20-R-15 amending the historic incentive program for the Main Street area.

FISCAL IMPACT

None as the maximum grant amount per year per property is to remain at $20,000.

RECOMMENDATION

Approval of Resolution 20-R-15.

Attachments
Res 20 R 15
Grant Program