Economic Development Manager Sharon Woodberry said the proposed increase was brought forward because staff noted that there was an unintentional disadvantage for larger parcels and more expensive demolition projects.
Woodberry said they wanted to make the program equitable for small and large businesses alike.
Three options were initially presented: Option 1 – tiered demolition grant structure; Option 2, remove the cap on the second tier and Option 3, a flat 75% grant coverage.
“After reviewing those options, I received feedback from the commissioners. There was support for a two-tiered structure for encouragement to lead to redevelopment and have stakeholder accountability,” she said, which would keep the balance and support both large and small projects. “The primary goal is to eliminate slum and blight with preferred redevelopment.”