The Worthington Economic Development Authority approved a pair of applications for façade improvement matching grants during a brief meeting Tuesday afternoon.
One of the two grant applications approved by the EDA was submitted by Mick Eggers on behalf of Mick’s Repair, located in downtown Worthington at 405 10th St. Rehabilitation work includes replacing the storefront windows on three sides of the office area and replacing the glass entrance doors. The business is currently zoned “B-2” and is eligible for a 1:1 match for eligible improvements as defined by the program’s requirements. Based on the property’s zoning, the applicant is eligible for a maximum matching grant amount of $10,000.
The other application was submitted by Tracy Grossman on behalf of Family Dental, located in downtown Worthington at 1029 Third Ave. The rehabilitation scope of work includes removing the existing sod, plantings and sign from the front of the Family Dental building and replacing them with the landscaping specified and reviewed by EDA Staff. That business is also currently zoned “B-2” and eligible for a 1:1 match for eligible improvements.
Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson noted during the meeting that the façade improvement program guidelines permit the EDA to approve applications for landscaping on a case-by-case basis. The intent behind giving the EDA such discretion is to ensure projects are permanent property improvements and not routine maintenance. Based on a bid, the façade improvement matching grant awarded is $4,062.50.
Both applications for the façade improvement matching grants were approved unanimously by council members.
