The City of Emporia will be submitting a grant application to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for a planned renovation of a downtown property.
During a special meeting Wednesday morning, commissioners approved the submission of an application to the HUD’s Hope VI grant program. The program, born out of recommendations from the National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing, seeks to help cities revitalize severely distressed properties.
The city is seeking a $500,000 grant to assist with a revitalization project at 502 Commercial. According to developer Ben Moore, the plan is to create seven residential units on the basement and second level of the property with the first floor to be used as commercial space.
Moore says the grant is being sought in order to help offset rising supply costs and inflation with the basement portion of the project hinging greatly on whether or not the grant is awarded.
Per a memorandum of agreement, if any grant funds have to be reimbursed, the developer will be responsible. Plans are to send the application off to the HUD on Thursday.
In other business Wednesday, commissioners also approved a distribution of TIF and CID revenue for the Emporia Pavillions. Commissioners are set to reconvene for their regular action and study meetings next Wednesday at 11 am inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
