Clearwater board approves downtown revitalization planning grant

Following a public hearing held prior to Monday's board of trustees meeting, Clearwater village officials voted, during regular session, to approve a minimum of $5,000, to apply toward a downtown revitalization planning grant.

Riah Deane, a community planner with the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District, outlined steps the process will follow.

A DTR planning grant will define a business district within the village, receive input from residents, include a historic building analysis and identify funding resources, through recommendations that will include goals, objectives and strategies.

"This is just a planning activity," Deane said.

The total project cost is estimated at $58,000. Of that total, $50,000 will be supplied through a Community Development Block Grant.

According to Deane, $3,000 will cover general administration of the grant. The village's grant is 10% - $5,000 - of the amount requested.

Clearwater Economic Development Director Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen said, "We went with the maximum award of the grant. We're hoping the Request for Proposals come in lower. It could be substantially less."

RFPs for the grant are due June 22. Clearwater's economic development board will review proposals and identify the top two or three.

Deane called last week's public hearing the "key to the door," so the village can apply for a DTR award once the planning phase is complete.

Planning grants are to be submitted by the middle of September and awards are will be announced before the end of the year.

During the planning phase, the planning firm will assess buildings and define the downtown area.

"They'll give you direction on what they think will make the town more appealing," Deane said.

According to Sheridan-Simonsen, planners are "looking at the economic viability of the community and what's best to bring in more businesses, to support businesses here, to increase sales tax collected by local businesses."

Trustee Steve Stearns asked if a business needs to meet an income threshold to apply.

According to Deane, no.

"Businesses have to put up some of their own funds," Deane said. "The minimum match is 20% of the total cost."

One criterion is for the village to conduct a blight study, which was completed in approximately five years ago.

"The entire town is blighted," Sheridan-Simonsen said.

The village also will be required to meet low- to moderate-income requirements. According to Sheridan-Simonsen, the last study completed shows the village is at 54%.

What type of projects will be eligible?

Facade improvements, signage, awning, American with Disabilities Act compliance, code compliance and energy efficiency are a few possibilities.

Other categories of improvements eligible include parks and recreation, flood and drainage improvements, water and sewer improvements, street improvements, sidewalks and other public improvements, including the removal of architectural barriers.

Village chairman Steve Hankla asked if only Main Street businesses will be eligible.

Deane said during the initial phase, the planning firm will define how Clearwater defines downtown.

"Sometimes that means the highway section, as well, because that's an important part of the business district. It will kind of be up to businesses and general public, working with the planning firm, to come up with what the downtown area is," Deane said.

Non-profit entities may be eligible to apply for funding.

Once the planning phase is complete, the village may apply for CDBG funds, with a $250,000 minimum and maximum of $400,000.

Eligible and interested businesses would be eligible for an 80% grant, with a 20% match required.

The village would not be responsible for any matching funds.