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Facade Program Updated

Business or building owners within the Expanded Historic District of Sidney are eligible for a grant to improve the exterior appearance, the facade.

On Nov. 24, the Sidney City Council approved updating the program, making more funds available to property owners.

The facade enhancement program was first approved by the city council in 2005. Prior to the Nov. 24 meeting, the program offered up to $5,000 per building with the property owner providing a 50 percent match for a maximum of $10,000. Eligible expenses included exterior street facing facade, window, masonry cleaning and repair, rehabilitation and replacement of storefront components, painting and exterior lighting, according Economic Development Director Melissa Norgard's presentation to the city council.

The program is funded by $50,000 annually from LB840 funding.

Applications are submitted to the Historic Preservation Board for approval.

On Nov. 24, Norgard presented a proposal to update the program, allowing more funds for property owners. She said the Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously to restructure the program to a maximum of $20,000 and 25 percent match.

The restructuring was encouraged by RDG, the company that conducted the Master Plan update study.

“Major rehabilitation projects require a larger match sum to make them economically viable. An update to the facade enhancement program to reflect inflated costs of rehabilitation is necessary to achieve the program goals. Without added funding, fewer projects are likely to be completed,” Norgard said in her presentation.

She added that the more buildings have an attractive and well-maintained facade, the greater impact on the character of the historic district.

In the last two years, the program has assisted a dozen building owners with facade enhancements.

The program update was approved 5-0 and went into effect immediately.

 

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