A suspension on funding for the Logansport’s Corridor Enhancement Program has been lifted, paving the way for five local businesses to be reimbursed for their efforts to “put a new face on a great place.”
A nine-month suspension on funding for the project was lifted last week when an agreement was reached to restore the program’s funding stream of $20,000 a year from landfill tipping fees.
Mayor Mike Fincher said funding for the program had been suspended because of concern over property tax revenues.
“We have had a spending freeze all this year,” Fincher said. “We have only been able to purchase fuel, emergency items and payroll. ... We had to make sure that we had enough money available to fund the program.”
At last week’s board of public works meeting, the city approved an application from Matthew Barrett Attorneys at Law at 1730 E. Market St. for a contribution toward $1,400 in costs for a new sign and $2,000 for a stained glassed window. The percentage of the contribution has yet to be approved.
Fincher said he was in favor of the application.
“The aesthetics of the sign are good, and it will be a good addition to the corridor and the building,” he said.
Barrett said that the program encouraged him to make additional improvements to the exterior of the building.
“I would have had the work done anyway because I needed the sign,” Barrett said. “But with the stained glass, the program encouraged me more to do it.”
Under the program the city pays up to 50 percent of beautification costs of any business or commercial building on designated corridors into the city.
The funds can be used for work that will improve the aesthetics of the building — such things as signage, awnings, canopies and shutters, exterior lighting, painting and landscaping.
Fincher said the future of the program would depend on revenue draws from the state, but he encouraged interested businesses to submit applications to the city’s planning commission.
“They can submit applications but they have to understand that they might not get funding right away.” he said.
In March the city held back its contribution to an application from Starr, Miller and Austen LLP for assistance with improved landscaping and an awning in the rear of its property at 201 S. Third St.
After Wednesday’s announcement, the city will now cover $5,000 of the project’s $10,000 cost.
Stan Williams, the city-county planning director, said the work epitomized the goals of the program.
“The purpose of the program is to help businesses and homeowners take it to a step above what they’d normally do and beautify their business,” he said.
The city also appropriated funds for projects at the Greensfelder Building at 309 E. Market St., Midwest Eye Associates at 2500 E. Market St. and Zehner Maloy and Associates at 730 E. Broadway.
Kevin Smith can be contacted at (574) 732-5148 or via e-mail at kevin.smith@pharostribune.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
FRESH LOOK: Starr, Miller and Austen LLP will be reimbursed $5,000 from the city for work to improve its building and parking lot. Two buildings were demolished, the building repainted, and landscaping completed as part of the project. P-T photo | Arnold Ernest
Discussion
Corridor enhancement projects will be funded
<b>City contributes to projects from end-of-year finances</b>
- Local News
-
-
No jail for driver in fatal hit-and-run
A 25-year-old Logansport man admitted Thursday to leaving the scene of a deadly wreck last year, but he will not serve any time in jail as the result of a plea agreement.
-
Board backs 51 percent spike in utility rates
For Paul Hartman, the issue facing the Logansport Stormwater Management Board is pretty simple.
-
13-foot statue celebrating arts to stand in Logan
Logan’s Landing danced a little closer Thursday to sprucing up the downtown area and crafting the arts and design district it’s been longing to create.
-
Stormwater board OKs rate increase
The Logansport Stormwater Management Board this morning approved a 51 percent increase in its monthly rates.
-
LHS senior prank
As a senior prank, Logansport High School students moved the cow from in front of Happy Burger West to the Berry Bowl this morning. It was all in good fun, though. Bob Shanks, the owner of Happy Burger, was even on hand to pose for pictures.
-
‘It’s not about you’: Local mom shares journey of adopting foster children
Foster parenting isn’t always easy, says Juanita Jackson. Between caseworker visits and baby-sitting restrictions, the 42-year-old balances work and caring for five children as a single mom.
-
Longtime Lewis Cass teacher fired over license
Notwithstanding the impassioned pleas on Scott Rouch’s behalf, the Southeastern school board unanimously voted to cancel his teaching contract for “neglect of duty and other just causes.”
-
Jeremy Franklin charged with two felonies
A special prosecutor this week filed three charges, including two felony counts, against the son of the Logansport mayor.
-
Logan multiplex still in the works
Plans for a multiplex in Logansport are still in the works, but at least one city official hoped the process would move a bit quicker.
-
Ambulances moving: Hospital says change will save $200,000
Rural/Metro, Cass County’s newest ambulance service, told Logansport Memorial Hospital that it plans to move out of the ambulance garage at the end of its lease in September.
- More Local News Headlines
-
No jail for driver in fatal hit-and-run
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
