MARICOPA, Ariz. – September 26, 2012 – The Maricopa City Council recently approved a façade improvement program for the Heritage (Redevelopment) District. The program is one of several projects initiated in recent years to advance the Redevelopment District Area Plan approved by the City Council in 2009.
According to Mayor Christian Price, revitalization of the Heritage District continues to be a City Council priority. “When potential residents and investors visit Maricopa, we want them to see an attractive and vibrant community,” said Price. “We are committed to revitalizing the Heritage District and are excited to support residents and business owners in making these improvements.”
The program is funded through the City’s General Fund and is designed to stimulate economic growth and private sector capital investment in the area. Reimbursements will be provided to commercial and residential property owners and tenants who complete eligible, pre-approved façade improvements (e.g. painting, landscaping, signage, lighting, awnings, windows and doors). Commercial applicants are required to fund at least 50% of the total cost while residential applicants can receive up to $1,000 with no matching requirement (50% match for every dollar over $1,000). The maximum reimbursement for commercial properties is $20,000 and the maximum for residential is $5,000. The total program budget is $50,000.
The Heritage District Citizens Advisory Committee has been a strong advocate for the program and will help the City market it to area residents and business owners. The Committee has worked with the City on several Heritage District initiatives, including hosting cleanup events and establishing design guidelines for new development in the area. Committee Chairman Joe Hoover believes the program is much needed and will provide a big boost to the area. “The Heritage District has great history and potential,” stated Hoover. “We hope residents will take full advantage of this opportunity and we look forward to seeing some great projects get underway.”
The façade improvement program is managed by the City’s Economic Development Department and a review committee will be formed and tasked with reviewing and approving project applications, determining project funding, and inspecting completed projects. Anyone wishing to submit an application must first attend a Pre-Application Information Session held at the Heritage District Citizens Advisory Committee’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Following that, they can submit an application for review at the following month’s meeting. The first session is planned for 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8 at City Hall. Sessions will be held on a bi-monthly basis.
The program application, guidelines (including full list of eligible activities), and schedule are available for download on the City website, maricopa-az.gov, and can also be picked up at City Hall, 45145 W. Madison Avenue. For questions, please contact Michael Winer, Economic Development Coordinator, at (520) 316-6992.
