To be eligible for program funds, the property owner has to demonstrate that 'significant improvements' will be made via the proposed project. All improvements must be approved by the city's Planning Department and carried out within existing city code and specifications. The designated site must be an existing commercial business orproperty located in Original Aurora.
Special consideration is given to projects that help create newemployment opportunities for area residents.As a partner in the project, the city of Aurora provides technicalassistance and project oversight.
The Community Development Division puts the project out for a competitive bid process and oversees the work-from the architectural drawings to the construction. All work must be approved by the city before the contractor is paid. The grant can be applied to nearly all manner of a building'sexterior improvements: façade renovation, landscaping and new signage. The grants do not require repayment, but the project must be firstapproved by the city.
Commuters and pedestrians may already have noticed some of the work in progress. At the corner of East Colfax Avenue and Beeler Street-where substantial exterior renovation project is being completed on the former Harmon Glass Building. When completed, the property will be home to a Family Dollar retail outlet.
By helping to eliminate blighted conditions, the program plays avital role in the city's plans for the area's revitalization, says Jeff Martinez, spokesman for Old Aurora.
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