City, Downtown launch program to help with costs
Application period now open for $500 grants
“Even though we’ve moved into more relaxed levels, they may not have enough physical square footage with the social distancing rules.”
Fawn Floyd-baltzer Downtown District spokeswoman
Loveland restaurants have until April 6 to apply for a new grant program helping foot the bill for tents, heaters and other weatherproof gear, as COVID-19 rules continue to push diners outside.
Loveland’s Downtown District and the city announced this week that $26,000 of a $226,489 surplus donated by the Platte River Power Authority has been set aside to launch the Loveland Patio Assistance Program.
Some examples of acceptable expenses include buying or maintaining tents and stocking propane for outdoor heaters, according to a press release. Costs incurred since Feb. 3 are eligible to be offset by the grants.
District spokeswoman Fawn Floyd-baltzer said the organization owns about 30 heaters that it has been lending to restaurants in need.
“But we only have so many, and we’re splitting them up between several different patios,” she said. “A lot of these businesses really have become dependent on outdoor seating. Even though we’ve moved into more relaxed levels, they may not have enough physical square footage with the social distancing rules.”
Restaurants, bars, breweries and other retailers with outdoor seating areas can apply. While the Downtown District is administering the program, beneficiaries may hail from anywhere in the city.
The city cleared the way for restaurants to expand their outdoor seating in May 2020, with an executive order issued by City Manager Steve Adams allowing tables, chairs and shade structures to be set up on sidewalks and adjacent parking spaces.
Assistant City Clerk Valerie Anderson said Wednesday that 27 businesses, all but six of which are located downtown, had registered to expand their seating under the order.
Approval of grantees will take place in mid-march, and checks will be cut after the businesses submit their W-9 forms to the city. Receipts must also be provided at the end of the grant period, or else the city may claw back the funding.
Applications are being accepted online at downtownloveland.org/ patioprogram, and more information is available from the district’s executive director, Sean Hawkins, who may be reached at shawkins@lovelandpartnership.org or 970-699-2856.