To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Tara Vargish, PE, Director, Development Services
Brad Boland, AICP Long Range Project Manager Development Services
Title
Resolution Approving a Downtown Historic Preservation Grant in the Amount of $25,000 to the Little School on Perry Street (Saunders House, 203 North Perry Street)
Body
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Executive Summary
In November of 2020, Town Council adopted a new Downtown Historic Preservation Grant Policy. The purpose of the Town’s Downtown Historic Preservation Grant Program is to provide monetary assistance with rehabilitation and restoration of historic properties within the Downtown Overlay District (DOD) for exterior improvements. These grants are available up to 50% of the project cost, 25% for roof repair, up to $25,000. These funds are awarded to property owners within the DOD on a two-round, competitive basis as recommended by the Historic Preservation Board and approved by Town Council. Staff received no applications for the first round and received a single application for the second round, which closed on August 1, 2024.
The Little School on Perry Street, located at 420 Jerry Street (Attachment A), is requesting a Downtown Historic Preservation Grant to assist with the restoration of the building with a scope that includes siding, windows, and roof repair and replacement. (Attachment B). The Little School on Perry Street, also known as the Saunders House, is locally landmarked. This Downtown Historic Preservation Grant request is for up to $25,000.
Budget Impact
A total of $50,000 was budgeted for the Downtown Historic Preservation Grant in 2024. No grant applications were received for the first round of funding. The $50,000 is sufficient to fund this grant application if it were to be approved.
Recommendation
On October 2, 2024, the Historic Preservation Board voted 4-0 to recommend that Town Council approve both grant requests.
Proposed Motion
I move to recommend that Town Council approve a Downtown Historic Preservation Grant for up to $25,000 to assist with the restoration work the Little School on Perry Street, also known as the Saunders House, located at 203 North Perry Street, per the grant application submitted by the property owner.
Attachments
Attachment A: Vicinity Map
Attachment B: Resolution
Attachment C: Downtown Historic Preservation Grant Application
Attachment D: Approved Plans
Attachment E: Downtown Historic Preservation Grant Policy