Grant plan approved for downtown businesses
Novato is set to begin offering grants to downtown businesses that are ready to make long-term improvements to their properties.
Businesses within the city’s downtown business improvement district, which includes about 380 businesses, will be eligible to apply for a grant for certain projects. The city has $95,000 available for the program and is offering to reimburse up to 50% of project costs.
“Not sure how long these funds will last because we’re not sure what kind of applications we’ll get, but very much looking forward to helping to support our businesses, especially right now,” city Community Development Director Vicki Parker told the council last week.
The council voted 4-0-1 on Sept. 22 to approve the grant program. Councilman Eric Lucan recused himself because he has property interests on Machin Avenue.
Eligible projects for the grants include Americans with Disabilities Act compliance work; installing permanent fixtures such as awnings and canopies; landscaping improvements; installation of electrical, plumbing and HVAC equipment; replacing windows and doors; restoring historical facades; and installing exterior lighting, among others. Permit costs can also be covered by the grant funds.
The program is designed for projects that have already been planned, designed and are ready to begin pulling permits, Parker said. Businesses must initiate construction within 30 days of receiving city approval for the grant. Assistant City Attorney Veronica Nebb clarified that construction does not have to begin within 30 days, but that the business must have signed an agreement with a contractor and set a start date for construction within that time period.
Stephanie Koehler, executive director of the Downtown Novato Business Association, said the grant program “further underscores the city’s commitment to helping our downtown businesses.”
“Such improvements can often be a financial roadblock for both current and new businesses,” Koehler said. “These grants will have a real and meaningful impact on our business owners at a time when they need it themost.”
The grant program is being funded through a $150,000 al-