city of hamilton · improvement areas (h.a.b.i.a.) meetings. staff depends upon the individual...

AFFECTS WARDS

1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9

CITY OF HAMILTON

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Downtown Renewal Division

Report to:

Chairman and Members Planning and Economic Development Committee

Submitted by:

Lee Ann Coveyduck General Manager

Date: File:

February 25, 2005 1200-1

Prepared by: Ronald Marini 905-546-2424 Ext. 4178 Gordon Moodie 905-546-3934 Hazel Milsome 905-546-2424 Ext. 2755

SUBJECT: Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program (C.P.I.G.)

Applications (PD05071) (Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9) RECOMMENDATION: (a) That the applications recommended for approval and identified within Appendix ‘A’

to Report PD05071 be approved for funding according to the terms and conditions of the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program (C.P.I.G.);

(b) That applicants of properties with outstanding taxes be notified that a condition of

the grant is that their property taxes must be paid in full prior to any grant monies being advanced for completed work and that no grant funds will be paid out until the condition is met and, if the property taxes are not paid in full within one (1) year of the date of the Letter of Understanding entered into between the City of Hamilton and the applicant, that the grant will be considered void;

(c) That unallocated grant monies resulting from taxes not being paid, be utilized for

future loan and grant programs administered by the Downtown Renewal Division for Hamilton’s Business Improvement Areas;

(d) That the grant portion in the total amount of $187,722 be funded from Capital Project

8300408101; (e) That the Director of Downtown Renewal, Planning and Development Department, be

authorized and directed to approve increases/decreases to the individual grant amounts approved as long as the overall grant portion referenced in sub-section (d) above is not exceeded and said grant is in accordance with the program rules;

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SUBJECT: Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program (C.P.I.G.) Applications (PD05071) (Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9) - of 5

(f) That the Director of Downtown Renewal, Planning and Development Department, be

authorized to approve a maximum extension period of ninety (90) days to applicants for the completion of works, over and above the one (1) year period applicants are given that commences the date Council approves their grant; and,

(f) That staff be authorized and directed to prepare and execute Letters of

Understanding with Council-approved applicants, with such Letter of Understanding being in a form satisfactory to Corporate Counsel.

Lee Ann Coveyduck General Manager Planning and Development Department

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The purpose of Report PD05071 is to review applications submitted under the terms of the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program (C.P.I.G.) and to recommend approval of those applications identified in Appendix ‘A’ to Report PD05071. The C.P.I.G. provides matching grants to a maximum of $7,500 to commercial property owners and authorized tenants within Hamilton’s eleven (11) B.I.A.s for façade improvements. BACKGROUND: In 2002, Council approved the creation of the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program (C.P.I.G.) for the City of Hamilton. C.P.I.G. is intended to provide financial assistance for commercial property owners and authorized tenants within the existing eleven (11) City-wide Business Improvement Areas as identified within the relevant Community Improvement Plans. The program aims to improve upon the appearance of numerous commercial properties throughout the City’s B.I.A.s. It is understood that the smaller scale commercial activities contribute greatly to the economic vitality and health of the commercial sector within the City of Hamilton. The program seeks to build upon these successes, resulting in long-lasting physical improvements to the assets of commercial property owners and authorized tenants. The program is also intended to bring about aesthetic improvements to the commercial areas as defined by the Business Improvement Areas, and to improve commerce within the entire City.

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In 2002 and 2003, the maximum grant per property was $15,000. In 2002, twenty-four (24) applications were approved totalling $187,832, representing 42.4% of the total construction costs. In 2003, forty-two (42) applications were approved totalling $333,365 representing 42.6% of the total construction cost. In 2004, the maximum allowable grant per property was reduced from $15,000 to $7,500 in an effort to sustain the program given the financial constraints of the City of Hamilton and, at the same time, addressing the high demand of the program. The reduction in the maximum grant allowed per property was recommended by staff and endorsed by the Hamilton Association of Business Improvement Areas. Thirty-seven (37) applications were approved in 2004 by Council totalling $207,700 representing 36.4% of the construction costs. This year, the City’s portion is 30.3% of the construction cost for 34 applications. The 2005 program was announced in September 2004 with an application deadline of November 5, 2004. Promotion of the program was conducted by way of two (2) public Information Sessions, and communication at the Hamilton Association of Business Improvement Areas (H.A.B.I.A.) meetings. Staff depends upon the individual B.I.A.s to disseminate information on the program and deadlines to their membership. It is important to note that the City of Hamilton’s new Sign By-law is expected to be approved by the Fall of 2005 and could affect the style of signage applicants are proposing to install under the program. Staff from the Downtown Renewal Division will emphasize in the Letter of Understanding entered into between the City of Hamilton and the applicant, that signage funded under the program must conform to the new Sign By-law. Applications for Funding Appendix ‘A’ to Report PD05071 is a summary of the applications received and provides details relative to the name of the applicant, property address, total value of work proposed, total City grant eligible and description of intended works. All proposed work under the terms of the program recommended by the City of Hamilton for funding will comply with the appropriate regulations of the City’s Zoning By-law(s). Any required variances or amendments to ensure conformity with the appropriate by-law(s) will be made a condition of approval of the grant and will be included as part of the Letter of Understanding in a form satisfactory to Corporate Counsel. Building Division staff will prepare detailed zoning reports and a record of site inspection to address issues of by-law conformity or Ontario Building Code issues requiring attention. These reports will form the basis of any conditions that are to be referenced within the Letter of Understanding between the City and the applicant.

Program Effects The total City portion of work for the thirty-four (34) recommended properties is $187,722. However, the total dollar value of improvements within the B.I.A.s is $618,353. The City’s grant represents 30.3% of the total construction cost. The program


provides a grant of 50% of the total cost of façade renovation to a maximum of $7,500. Since the program’s inception, the City’s portion of the total construction cost has declined and is currently reduced by 19.7%, representing a matching grant costing 30.3% of total construction. The majority of contractors are from Hamilton and in excess of $618,000 in new contracts, spread over some thirty-seven (37) contractors, will be realized within the twelve (12) month completion process. It is staff’s opinion that the ancillary improvements in these areas will be significant.

ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES: A description and analysis of the C.P.I.G. is provided within Report PD05071. Non-acceptance of the recommendations contained within this report would result in the inability of the municipality to make financial assistance available under the terms of the program. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

Financial – Funding is provided under the terms of the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program. Projects will be funded once proposed renovations are completed to the satisfaction of a City of Hamilton Building Inspector, and paid receipts totalling double the amount of the City’s grant are provided. Funding is contained in Capital Budget Account Number 8300408101 in the amount of $190,000 as approved by Council in the 2004 Capital Budget. Staff continually monitors feedback on the program’s criteria and procedures in order to address any shortfalls. It has become apparent that in some cases, once owners proceed with the work, items are uncovered that were not considered at the time of application resulting in an increase/decrease in the scope of work required. This ultimately affects the approved grant amount. Therefore staff is recommending that the Director of Downtown Renewal be authorized to approve increases/decreases to individual grant amounts as long as the total 2005 approved grant portion in the amount of $187,722 is not exceeded. Staffing – Administration of the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program can be accommodated within the Planning and Development Department and the Corporate Services Department. Legal – Letters of Understanding between the City of Hamilton and applicants are to be executed.

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POLICIES AFFECTING PROPOSAL: The Planning Act gives municipalities jurisdiction to establish Community Improvement Project Areas and adopt Community Improvement Plans under which municipalities may make grants to property owners for community improvement purposes. Since the C.P.I.G. program constitutes part of Community Improvement Plans for the eleven (11) B.I.A.s, our municipality is permitted to provide grants within those areas. Such grants are not subject to prohibition under The Municipal Act relative to providing bonuses to property owners.

CONSULTATION WITH RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS/AGENCIES: The advice of the Corporate Services Department has been considered in Report PD05071.

CITY STRATEGIC COMMITMENT:

Funding projects under the terms of the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program will contribute to the efficient and economical use of existing infrastructure and services, focus investment within specific areas to support existing commercial activities, and revitalize the relevant Business Improvement Areas as part of a larger commercial hierarchy. This initiative is consistent with Council’s strategy of growing the local economy and investing in neighbourhoods. HM:hm Attach. (1)

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Appendix ‘A’ to Report PD05071 Page 1 of 21

File # Business Address Total

Construction City $

Requested Description of Improvements

Recommendation

Barton Village B.I.A. BAR1/05 Essence Banquet Centre 422 Barton St. East $14,937.00 $7,469.00 New sign and entrances

Approval Recommended

BAR2/05 TJ’s Video 367 Barton St. East $4,536.00 $2,268.00 New SignApproval

Recommended

BAR3/05 TJ’s Appliances 365 Barton St. East $4,450.00 $2,225.00 Stucco, windows, awningApproval

Recommended

BAR4/05 Ovid Whiteman 618 Barton St. East $15,206.00 $7,500.00 Stucco, windows, framing and doors


Concession Street B.I.A. CON/1/05 Select Consignments 618 Concession $12,090.00 $6,045.00

Doors, awning, stucco, sign


Downtown Hamilton B.I.A. DT1/05 Old Colony Properites 105 Main St. East $27,700.00 $7,500.00 Stucco pillars


DT2/05 The Capri Restaurant 25 John St. North $7,208.00 $3,604.00 Awnings, stucco, sign and lighting


DT3/05 David Huang 18 John St. North $12,379.00 $6,190.00 Doors, windows Approval

Recommended

DT4/05 Mark Wu 21 Rebecca $66,030.00 $7,500.00 Stucco, lighting, windowsApproval

Recommended

International Village B.I.A. IV1/05 Kim Chau 185 King St. East $15,649.00 $7,500.00

Windows, doors, lighting, repair/paint brick


IV2/05 Kim Chau 187 King St. East $19,848.00 $7,500.00Windows, doors, lighting, repair/paint brick


IV3/05 2055197 Ont.Inc(Manherz)

283-287 King St. East $74,900.00 $7,500.00 Windows, doors, new limestone facing and stone


IV4/05 R. Denninger Ltd. 284 King St. East $32,750.00 $7,500.00 Entranceway, awnings, windows


IV5/05 R. Denninger Ltd. 286 King St. East $32,750.00 $7,500.00 Entranceway, Awnings, windows


IV6/05 R. Denninger Ltd. 288 King St. East $32,750.00 $7,500.00 Entranceway, awnings, windows


IV7/05 R. Denninger Ltd. 300 King St. East $32,750.00 $7,500.00 Entranceway, awnings,windows




Construction City $


Recommendation

Ottawa Street B.I.A. OTT1/05 Indigo Decorating 256 Ottawa St. N. $21,470.00 $7,500.00

Door, brick repair/repaint, windows


OTT2/05 Café Limoncello 226-228 Ottawa St. N. $18,368.00 $7,500.00 Sign, awnings, door Approval

Recommended

OTT3/05 L. G. Wallace FuneralHome

151 Ottawa St. N. $8,025.00 $4,013.00 Flashing and trellis work Approval

Recommended

OTT4/05 Discount Fabric Mart 317 Ottawa St. N. $4,536.00 $2,268.00 Brick workApproval

Recommended

OTT5/05 Nadel Furs 281 Ottawa St. N. $3,456.00 $1,728.00 AwningApproval

Recommended

OTT6/05 Uri Fabrics 333 Ottawa St. N. $14,980.00 $7,490.00 Doors, windowsApproval

Recommended

Stoney Creek B.I.A. SC1/05 Pete Cercone 28 King St. East $31,244.00 $7,500.00

Windows, door, entranceway, stucco, flag stone, lighting


King Street B.I.A. KW1/05 John North CA 280 King St. West $13,700.00 $6,850.00

Sign, lighting, stucco Approval Recommended

KW2/05 Hess Financial Centre 288 King St. West $25,000.00 $7,500.00 Sign, lighting, entranceway, granite panels


KW3/05 Trombetta 294, 296, 298 King St. West

$19,500.00 $7,500.00Stucco, windows Approval

Recommended

Westdale Village B.I.A. WEST1/05 Colours & Esthetic

Studio 1061 King St. West $2,043.00 $1,022.00 Awning


WEST2/05 Copies Plus 9 Sterling St. $7,469.00 $3,735.00 Awning Approval

Recommended

WEST3/05 Sonke Holdings 1004 King St. West $6,588.00 $3,294.00 Doors Approval

Recommended

WEST4/05 Chez Bon Bon 1008 King St. West $6,436.00 $3,218.00 Lighting Approval

Recommended



Construction City $


Recommendation

Westdale Village B.I.A. (continued) WEST5/05 Village Diner 988 King St. West $16,900.00 $7,500.00 Stucco, windows


WEST6/05 Paul Snider 1047-1051 King St. West

$3,980.00 $1,940.00 WindowsApproval

Recommended

WEST7/05 Mort Snider Ent. Ltd. 1045 King St. West $6,682.00 $3,341.00 Windows Approval

Recommended

WEST8/05 Peng 944 King St. West $2,043.00 $1,022.00 AwningApproval

Recommended

Applications Recommended for Approval Total Construction Cost of Recommended Applications $618,353 $187,722

Percentage of City Grant Dollars 30.3%

Attachment 1 to Report PD05071 Page 4 of 21

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