EDA approves facade improvement grants, non-binding letter of intent

The Worthington Economic Development Authority approved two more façade improvement grant applications during its brief meeting Monday night.

Doug Nau, on behalf of the property owner at 702 10th St., applied for a façade improvement matching grant for work to take place at that address, which is now home to Joyful Eyes Optometry and Ophthalmology. The scope of work includes new siding, doors and windows on the entry along Seventh Avenue and the matching entry on the west side of the building.

Total cost was presented as $20,500. The subject property is currently zoned ‘B-2’ Central Business District and is eligible for a 1:1 match up to $10,000.

The Façade Improvement Matching Grant Subcommittee reviewed the application and program guidelines last month and recommended approving matching funds for work on the Seventh Avenue entrance only. Since the back entrance is primarily for the building’s apartments and has low visibility from the road, the subcommittee agreed this should be excluded from eligibility.

City staff has requested an amended bid for the work but anticipates the total cost to be less than $10,000 with a grant award of around $5,000 or less. Staff will ensure final invoices and proof of payment pertain only to the Seventh Avenue entrance work.

The additional grant request came from Todd Henderson of Henderson Financial Services for work to take place at 1152/1154 Oxford St. The scope of work includes new front windows, doors, siding, and other exterior improvements.  Based on the submitted bids, the applicant is eligible for the maximum award of $5,000, which was approved.

Also Monday, council members accepted a non-binding letter of intent from Efrain Patino, who currently owns El Mexicano #3, El Rinconcito and other businesses outside of Worthington. He is seeking to purchase approximately 8.77 acres of land in the city’s Bioscience Industrial Park for the construction of a new warehouse, office space and truck yard. The purchase price offered is $247,034, the city’s current asking price for the land.