by Karen Mead-Elford, co-editor
The Owosso City Council is holding a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. at the upcoming Tuesday, Jan. 2 meeting in council chambers. The Tuesday meeting will be the first meeting for 2018, and the public hearing is regarding the city accepting a $442,907 federal grant toward façade (exterior) improvements of five downtown buildings. The project would designate the mayor as the certifying officer, and commit the city to a match of $12,500.
The properties being considered for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) are 114 N. Washington St., 115 N. Washington St., 116 N. Washington St., 216 and 218 W. Main Streets (both front and rear facades), and 114 W. Main Street.
According to a city memorandum, property owners will be required to match available grant dollars. The city has been working with Owosso DDA/Owosso Main Street toward making these projects happen, though all project improvements must meet historic preservation guidelines and other criteria established by HUD.
Ultimately, with the federal façade grant established at $442,907, if everything is approved, the city will see a total project improvement amount of $898,314.
