1. "What is the Clifton Heights Facade Improvement Program?"
The program is administered by the Clifton Heights Business Association and funded by the City of Cinncinnati Department of Community Development and Planning. It offers matching funds to any business and/or property owner who wishes to improve their building's facade. Applicable improvements can include anything that is visible from the public right of way (i.e. strret or sidewalk). The goal of the program is to leverage public and private investment in the Clifton Heights business district and in turn make revitalization efforts affordable, creative and community based.
2. "Who can apply for funding?"
Any building or business owenr may apply for funding provided that the tenant recieve written permission from the building owener for the proposed improvements.
3. "What types of improvements are eligible?"
Any improvement that is visible from the public right of way. If it can be seen from the street or sidewalk, it can be funded through the program. Such improvements include, but are not limited to:
- Widows
- Doors
- Lighting
- Painting
- Tile
- Signage
- Decorative Awning
- General removal, replacement and renovation of facade elements.
- 7% of the total project cost for 'soft costs' i.e drafting, drawing and architectural concepts.
4. "How does the application process work?"
First, applicants should have an informal preliminary meeting with the Program Administrator to discuss potential facade improvements. After this step, the applicant should have a better idea of what improvements can occur and are likely to be submitted to the Program Administrator for review. This application will require a specific description of the project, its location and an estimate of the associated costs. Finally, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) will review the application and either approve or deny the application. If the application is denied, the ARB will give the reason as to why the application failed to meet the standards imposed, as well as guidance on how to improve the application for resubmittal.
5. "How does the Architectural Review Board make its decisions?"
The Architectural Review Board is composed of architects and business owners with a vested interest in teh community and business district. The ARB's primary role is to assist the applicant in creating a successful project that benifits both the applicant and the business district as a whole. Their decisions are based on the guidelines set forth in the Architectural and Design Guidelines.
6. "What happens after the application is approved?"
First, the applicant must obtain three bids for the proposed work. Information on contractors is available from the Project Administrator. Second, after choosing a contractor, a pre-construction meeting must be held between the applicant, Program Administrator, Contractor, Community Development officer and a Contract Compliance representative. At this meeting, contract requirements will be discussed as well as an overall clarification of the required paperwork. After this has been completed, work can then commence on the project. When the work has been completed and the necessary paperwork filed, the applicant must provide proof of payment and the work has to be inspected by the Community Development Officer. Upon approval, a reimbursal can be issued within 7-10 business days.
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