Title/Name/Summary
Appearance Improvement Grant - Economic Development Program (Façade Improvement Program)
History
QUICKFACTS
Project
Appearance Improvement Grant - 2012-0687
Petitioner
Development Services Department
Village of Orland Park
Purpose
The purpose of this program is to assist property owners and tenants of commercial and landmark buildings improve the exterior appearance of their storefronts and structures.
OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
In late 2012, the Village Board renewed the Façade Improvement Program and allocated $50,000 to it for FY2013. The Board also directed the program to be available Village-wide rather than be limited to 143rd Street.
For the first time a façade improvement program will be available to all commercial properties in the Village. The change in policy to a Village-wide program requires a review and revision of the existing program, which is specific to the 143rd Street corridor.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION & CONTEXT
The new scope for the program is to improve the appearance of all commercial and landmark properties in the Village. Because of this, the program is renamed to “Appearance Improvement Grant” to accurately describe the program’s intent, which is to improve the overall appearance of sites and buildings. Previous programs were strictly limited to façade edifices and particular features (i.e. historic). The new grant program will address the whole experience of the commercial appearance from the public right-of-way.
The new program is clarified as a grant and will focus primarily on commercial façade renovation. It will also have a secondary focus of historic preservation assistance for the few landmark buildings in town. Additionally, the new program includes the ability to address landscape improvements as well, since landscaping is part of the appearance of a site/ building. Lastly, the new grant is streamlined in terms of its review process and procedures.
Additional details about the Appearance Improvement Grant are discussed in the Development Services and Planning Committee report, which is attached for reference.
The draft program is included with this report.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND PLANNING COMMITTEE MOTION
On January 21, 2013, the Development Services and Planning Committee, by a vote of 3-0 moved to recommend to the Village Board of Trustees approval of the Appearance Improvement Grant as indicated in the attached program materials titled “Appearance Improvement Grant”, prepared by the Development Services Department and dated January 15, 2013.
This case is now before the Village Board of Trustees for consideration.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the Appearance Improvement Grant as recommended at the January 21, 2013 Development Services and Planning Committee and as indicated in the attached program materials titled “Appearance Improvement Grant”, prepared by the Development Services Department and dated January 15, 2013.