Home News Local News HBC extends deadline for building work grants

HBC extends deadline for building work grants

Written by ED MERRIMAN Baker City Herald February 24, 2010 04:17 am

Due in part to the sluggish economy just six Baker City businesses and building owners have applied this year for matching grants to renovate facades and to make other improvements, prompting Historic Baker City Inc. to extend the application deadline for another month, until the end of March.

Last year HBC had $30,000 from the Leo Adler Foundation and $15,000 from the Oregon Main Street Program.

The $45,000 is three times the amount available so far this year, HBC Director Ann Mehaffy said.

She said the grants HBC made last year averaged $2,700 per applicant, although some were higher and some were considerably lower.

“We had a lot more money last year, so we were able to do 18 projects, mostly awnings and window treatments, but so far this year we have only received six applications,” Mehaffy said.

The Leo Adler Foundation awarded $15,000 again this year to HBC for matching grants that pay half the cost of facade improvements on downtown buildings.

Mehaffy said she won’t know until June whether the Oregon Main Street Program will give HBC money this year. If so, a second round of facade grants might be available later this year.

“We are definitely grateful to the Leo Adler Foundation for their support,” she said.

This is the 15th year matching grants have been available to downtown property owners through the Destination Downtown program, Mehaffy said.

Despite the drop in applications so far this year, Mehaffy believes property owners remain interested in improving their buildings and businesses.

“It’s tough during a recession,” Mehaffy said. “Property owners still have to come up with their half of the funding. I’ve talked to some people who would like to make improvements, but can’t, due to the slow economy.”

Mehaffy also said several property owners have called asking for an extension because they have been unable to get contractors out to see what they want done and to submit bids.

HBC mailed letters to alert all property owners to the extended deadline of March 31 for owners to submit concept/project letters to HBC.

Within a week or two after the deadline, Mehaffy said property owners will be notified of the board’s decisions about which projects to fund.

“We do not allocate any of the funds until after the deadline, when we look at all of the applications and make funding decisions,” Mehaffy said.