The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for restoration work on the store fronts around Jefferson’s courthouse square was submitted last Friday. Notification of whether the grant is approved is expected in mid-May.
The final application is for work on 16 downtown buildings. In order to be part of the application, building owners were required to place funds in an escrow account, as they will be required to pay up to one-quarter of the cost of the work done on their buildings. The CDBG will cover one-half and the city of Jefferson will cover the other one-quarter.
The maximum to be spent on the total project is $1 million, with $500,000 in CDBG funds.
The city will pay up to $250,000, including paying for the architectural services of Franks Design Group, regardless of whether the CDBG is funded.
The grant application was developed by the city, Jefferson Matters: Main Street, and Region XII Council of Governments.
In a somewhat related matter, city administrator Mike Palmer reported to the city council Tuesday that work is progressing on the former Linda’s Fashions building just west of Sally’s Alley in the 100 block of E. Lincoln Way. A gaping hole in the roof has been patched and city staff is now trying to dry out the building.
Asbestos will be removed from the building, with that cost partially covered by Brown Field grant funds. A new roof will be put on in the spring at an estimated cost of $25,000 to $30,000. The city hopes to recoup that cost with sale of the building.
The city took possession of the deteriorating building last fall in order to stabilize it lest it fall to ruin.
