COMMERCIAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT NG-C-24-02COMMERCIAL IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT
NG -C-24-02
is Commercial Improvement Grant Agreement (this "Agreement") is made as of
/ A , (the "Effective Date"), by and between THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
CY OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, a public body corporate and politic of
the State of Florida created pursuant to Part III, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes (the "Agency"), and
BIG JIM'S & FAMILY BARBEQUE LLC, a Florida limited liability company (the "Applicant
")(collectively the Agency and the Applicant are the "Parties").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Agency was created to implement community redevelopment activities as
provided in the Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 (the "Act") codified at Chapter 163,
Part III, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, on January 12, 2023, the Agency adopted the North Greenwood Community
Redevelopment Area Plan (the "Plan"); and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of the Plan, the Agency has established the Commercial Grant
Program (the "Program") to provide grants to businesses and commercial property owners located
in the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (the "Redevelopment Area") for such
businesses and owners to make building, structural, and site improvements to their properties; and
WHEREAS, the Agency has approved a grant to the Applicant in an amount not to exceed
$75,000.00 in financial assistance under the Program to provide building and site improvements to
the property located at 1303 N Martin Luther King Jr Ave Clearwater, FL 33755 (the "Property").
WHEREAS, The grant will be used for the activities listed below at the Property (the
"Project") as further detailed in the Applicant's grant application and plan specifications attached
hereto as Exhibit "C" (the "Specifications"):
• Electrical/plumbing upgrades and utility connections;
• HVAC
• Interior walls (including drywall), ceilings, floors, doors, and molding;
• Interior paint;
• Certain permanent bathroom and kitchen counter tops, cabinets, sinks, replace
BBQ pit
• The repair of exterior walls;
• Roof repairs or replacement
• Exterior repainting;
• Exterior windows and/or doors;
• Exterior signage;
• The installation, repair, or renovation of porches, patios, plazas;
• Parking area and driveway improvements.
; and
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WHEREAS, the Agency finds that providing financial assistance for the commercial
improvement of the Property is a permissible use of the Agency's funds; and
WHEREAS, the Agency finds that the Project comports with and furthers the goals,
objectives, and policies of the Plan; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained
herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
I. GENERAL
1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated in and form a
part of this Agreement.
2. Purpose of Agreement. The purpose of this Agreement is to further the implementation of
the Plan by the completion of the Project.
3. Legal Description. The legal description for the Property is attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
II. APPLICANT WARRANTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Development of the Project. The Applicant shall complete the Project in accordance with
the Specifications and the grant application. The Applicant shall complete all Project work within
three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the date of application approval. Such completion
shall be evidenced by receipt of a Finding of Project Completion from the Agency. A Finding of
Project Completion shall be granted in accordance with the criteria contained in the Agency's
Commercial Grant Program Policy attached hereto as Exhibit "B" (the "Policy"). The date of
application approval shall be the Effective Date.
Applicant's Project Contribution. As a condition of receiving reimbursement grant funding from
the Agency, the Applicant shall provide thirty thousand dollars and zero cents ($30,000.00) in
monetary contribution (the "Monetary Contribution") toward the Project. Evidence of expenditure
of Applicant's contribution towards the Project shall be submitted to the Agency's satisfaction
before disbursement of the Agency's grant funding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Applicant
may have the Monetary Contribution waived or reduced if the Applicant completes certain
community service acts in accordance with the Policy or receives a legacy credit.
The Applicant has received a Legacy Credit in the amount of thirty thousand dollars and zero cents
(30,000.00) reducing the Monetary Contribution to zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) (The
"Reduced Contribution"). The Legacy Credit shall be added to the balance of the Applicant's
available grant funds.
2. Warranties of the Applicant. The Applicant warrants that the following information is true
and correct:
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a. The Applicant is the owner of or has a leasehold interest in the Property;
b. The Applicant's business is a permitted use under the City's Community Development Code;
c. The Applicant is current on their property taxes for the Property and business fees;
d. The Property has no outstanding code enforcement or building code violations or the
Applicant has made the Agency aware of such violations and the Agency has agreed to allow
the Project to move forward as the renovations will remediate any violations;
e. The Property is free of code enforcement or other municipal liens;
f. The business or proposed new business on the Property is an independently owned and
operated local business. If the business is an independently owned and operated franchise and
other franchise locations associated with the brand exist, such locations shall only be located
within the municipal boundaries of the City;
g. The Property is located in the Redevelopment Area; and
h. In accordance with the Policy, the Applicant has not received more than $75,000.00 in CRA
grant funding within the preceding 12 -month rolling year and will not exceed this threshold
by obtaining grant funding under this Agreement.
III. AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Grant Funding. The Agency shall reimburse the Applicant for the Project's eligible costs
up to a base amount of forty-five thousand dollars and zero cents ($45,000.00) plus all Y or a
part of the Applicant's Monetary Contribution of thirty thousand dollars and zero cents
($30,000.00) based on the amount of Hours completed or Legacy Credit provided pursuant to
Section II. for a total potential grant award not to exceed seventy-five thousand dollars and zero
cents ($75,000.00) (collectively the "Grant Funds"). The Grant Funds shall be payable within
thirty (30) days of receipt of a fully completed reimbursement request after the issuance of a
Finding of Project Completion by the Agency assuming the Applicant has also complied with
Section II of this Agreement where applicable.
2. Upon agreement between the Agency and the Applicant, the Agency may provide the Grant
Funds directly to any approved licensed contractor or vendor in lieu of providing the Grant Funds
to the Applicant. Notwithstanding Paragraph 1 of this section, The Agency's director (the
"Director") may allow earlier draw requests of the Grant Funds to approved licensed contractors
or vendors in accordance with the Policy. However, the Grant Funds disbursed to a contractor or
vendor shall not be disbursed more frequently than once every thirty (30) days. The Parties
understand and agree that nothing in this Agreement creates any contractual relationship between
the Agency and any contractor or vendor and the City shall not be liable for any monies owed to
any contractor or vendor. The ability of the Agency to pay the contractor or vendor directly is
only for the sake of convenience to the Applicant and the Applicant remains exclusively liable for
any funds owed to the contractor.
3. If the Director determines that the Project does not meet the requirements of this
Agreement or the Policy, then the Parties agree that the Agency shall not owe any monies to the
Applicant for the requested reimbursement, the Applicant shall have no recourse against the
Agency, and the Director's decision shall be final without any means of appeal.
IV. APPLICANT DEFAULT
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1. Failure to Timely Complete the Project. If the Applicant fails to obtain a Finding of Project
Completion within three hundred and sixty-five (365) days of the date of application approval,
then the Parties agree that the Applicant shall be in default under this Agreement without notice or
opportunity to cure the default. An extension to this timeframe may be granted by the Director for
good cause if the Applicant submits a written request for such an extension before the expiration
of the three hundred and sixty-five (365) day period.
2. Other Events of Default. In addition to the foregoing event of default, the occurrence of
any one or more of the following events shall also constitute an event of default by the Applicant:
A. The Applicant makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or admits in
writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due or files a petition in bankruptcy,
or is adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or files a petition seeking any reorganization,
arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under
any present or future statute, law or regulation or files an answer admitting, or fails
reasonably to contest, the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such
proceeding, or seeks or consents to or acquiesce in the appointment of any trustee,
receiver or liquidator of the Applicant or any material part of such entity's properties;
B. Within sixty (60) days after the commencement of any proceeding by or against the
Applicant seeking any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment,
liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any present or future statute, law or
regulation, such proceeding shall not have been dismissed or otherwise terminated, or
if, within sixty (60) days after the appointment without the consent or acquiescence of
the Applicant or any trustee, receiver or liquidator of any such entities or of any material
part of any such entity's properties, such appointment shall not have been vacated; or
C. A breach by the Applicant of any other term, condition, requirement, or warranty of
this Agreement or the Policy.
3. Agency's Remedy Upon Certain Applicant Default. In the event of default and if the
Applicant has failed to cure the default within the allotted time prescribed under Section IV,
Paragraph 4 (if applicable), then the Parties agree that: a) this Agreement shall be null and void;
b) that the Agency will have no further responsibility to the Applicant, including the responsibility
to tender any remaining amounts of the Grant Funds to the Applicant; and c) that if the Agency
has tendered any of the Grant Funds to the Applicant, the Agency shall be entitled to the return of
all the Grant Funds plus default interest at a rate of ten percent (10%) starting from the date of
default. The remedial provisions shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
4. Notice of Default and Opportunity to Cure. The Agency shall provide written notice of a
default under Section IV, Paragraph 2 of this Agreement and provide the Applicant thirty (30) days
from the date the notice is sent to cure such a default. This notice will be deemed received when
sent by first class mail to the Applicant's notice address or when delivered to the Applicant if sent
by a different means.
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V. MISCELLANEOUS
1. Notices. All notices, demands, requests for approvals, or other communications given by
either party to another shall be in writing, and shall be sent to the office for each party indicated
below and addressed as follows:
To the Applicant:
Big Jim's & Family Barbeque LLC
1303 N Martin Luther King Jr Ave
Clearwater, FL 33755
ATTN: Yvette Pendleton
To the Agency:
Community Redevelopment Agency of
the City of Clearwater
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, Florida 33758
Attention: Executive Director
with copies to:
City of Clearwater
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, Florida 33758
Attention: Clearwater City Attorney's Office
2. Unavoidable Delay. Any delay in performance of or inability to perform any obligation
under this Agreement (other than an obligation to pay money) due to any event or condition
described in this section as an event of "Unavoidable Delay" shall be excused in the manner
provided in this section.
"Unavoidable Delay" means any of the following events or conditions or any combination
thereof: acts of God, acts of the public enemy, riot, insurrection, war, pestilence,
archaeological excavations required by law, unavailability of materials after timely ordering
of same, building moratoria, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, freight embargoes, fire,
lightning, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, extremely abnormal and excessively
inclement weather (as indicated by the records of the local weather bureau for a five year
period preceding the Effective Date), strikes or labor disturbances, delays due to
proceedings under Chapters 73 and 74, Florida Statutes, restoration in connection with any
of the foregoing or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the party performing
the obligation in question, including, without limitation, such causes as may arise from the
act of the other party to this Agreement, or acts of any governmental authority (except that
acts of the Agency shall not constitute an Unavoidable Delay with respect to performance
by the Agency).
An application by any party hereto for an extension of time pursuant to this section must be
in writing, must set forth in detail the reasons and causes of delay, and must be filed with
the other party to this Agreement within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of the
event or condition causing the Unavoidable Delay or thirty (30) days following the party
becoming aware (or with the exercise of reasonable diligence should have become aware)
of such occurrence.
The party shall be entitled to an extension of time for an Unavoidable Delay only for the
number of days of delay due solely to the occurrence of the event or condition causing such
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Unavoidable Delay and only to the extent that any such occurrence actually delays that party
from proceeding with its rights, duties and obligations under this Agreement affected by
such occurrence. In the event the party is the Applicant then the Director is authorized to
grant an extension of time for an Unavoidable Delay for a period of up to six (6) months.
Any further requests for extensions of time from the Applicant under this section must be
agreed to and approved by the Agency's Board of Trustees.
3. Indemnification. The Applicant agrees to assume all inherent risks of this Agreement and
all liability therefore, and shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Agency and the
City of Clearwater, Florida, a Florida municipal corporation ("the City"), and the Agency's
and the City's officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims of loss,
liability and damages of whatever nature, to persons and property, including, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, death of any person and loss of the use of any
property, except claims arising from the negligence of the Agency, the City, or the Agency's
or the City's agents or employees. This includes, but is not limited to, matters arising out of
or claimed to have been caused by or in any manner related to the Applicant's activities or
those of any approved or unapproved invitee, contractor, subcontractor, or other person
approved, authorized, or permitted by the Applicant whether or not based on negligence.
Nothing herein shall be construed as consent by the Agency or the City to be sued by third
parties, or as a waiver or modification of the provisions or limits of Section 768.28, Florida
Statutes, or the Doctrine of Sovereign Immunity.
4. Assignability; Complete Agreement. This Agreement is non -assignable by either party and
constitutes the entire Agreement between the Applicant and the Agency and all prior or
contemporaneous oral and written agreements or representations of any nature with
reference to the subject of this Agreement are canceled and superseded by the provisions of
this Agreement.
5. Applicable Law and Construction. The laws of the State of Florida shall govern the validity,
performance, and enforcement of this Agreement. This Agreement has been negotiated by
the Agency and the Applicant, and the Agreement, including, without limitation, the
exhibits, shall not be deemed to have been prepared by the Agency or the Applicant, but by
all equally.
6. Severability. Should any section or part of this Agreement be rendered void, invalid, or
unenforceable by any court of law, for any reason, such a determination shall not render
void, invalid, or unenforceable any other section or part of this Agreement.
7. Amendments. This Agreement cannot be changed or revised except by written amendment
signed by the Parties.
8. Jurisdiction and Venue. For purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of
or relating to this Agreement, the Parties do acknowledge, consent, and agree that venue
thereof is Pinellas County, Florida.
Each party to this Agreement hereby submits to the jurisdiction of the State of Florida,
Pinellas County and the courts thereof and to the jurisdiction of the United States District
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Court for the Middle District of Florida, for the purposes of any suit, action or other
proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement and hereby agrees not to assert by
way of a motion as a defense or otherwise that such action is brought in an inconvenient
forum or that the venue of such action is improper or that the subject matter thereof may not
be enforced in or by such courts.
If, at any time during the term of this Agreement, the Applicant is not a resident of the State
of Florida or has no office, employee, agency, registered agent or general partner thereof
available for service of process as a resident of the State of Florida, or if any permitted
assignee thereof shall be a foreign corporation, partnership or other entity or shall have no
officer, employee, agent, or general partner available for service of process in the State of
Florida, the Applicant hereby designates the Secretary of State, State of Florida, its agent
for the service of process in any court action between it and the Agency arising out of or
relating to this Agreement and such service shall be made as provided by the laws of the
State of Florida for service upon a nonresident; provided, however, that at the time of service
on the Florida Secretary of State, a copy of such service shall be delivered to the Applicant
at the address for notices as provided in Section V, Paragraph 1.
9. Termination. If not earlier terminated as provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall
expire and shall no longer be of any force and effect three hundred and sixty-five (365) days
from the anniversary of the date of application approval.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the date
and year first above written.
Approved as to form:
Matthew J. Mytych, Esq.
CRA Attorney
Date: l )../1,/A'
(CRA SIGNATURE PAGE)
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA,
a public body corporate and politic of the State of
Florida.
By:
Bruce Recto
Chairman
Date:
Attest:
/ (z-0 tv7
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Rosemarie Call
City
Date:
����vEL 0 PQM //i
C er � ° �, }G, CORPOR4
o0=
(APPLICANT SIGNATURE PAGE)
Big Jim's & Family Barbeque LLC, a
Florida limited liability company.
By:
Print
Title:
Date:
,Ovid
147001ralP
IF
STATE OF FLORIDA )
COUNTY OF PINELLAS )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by means physical presence or ❑ online
notarization, this 05 day of DECe nea2- , 2024 by ` .IETTE kboDLe1 , as
mug_ of $►U v«nfAm►ul p uitYho ❑ is/are personally known to me or 'who
has/have produced a driver's license as identification.
(NOTARIAL SEAL)
os""_ Julia C. Baltas
j.Comm.: HH 601100
res: Oct 7, 2028
,,,,' , Notary p - State of Florida
8
Noary Public, State of Florida
Name of Notary: 70-4RCS
My Commission Expires: to/al iaos
My Commission No.: 1+4Go►►o0
EXHIBIT "A"
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
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Lots 34, 35 and 36, Block 0, of CREBACCO PARC, Win 113, according to
the plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Bock 8, Page 16, %blic Records of
Pinellas Ginty, Florida.
EXHIBIT "B"
COMMERCIAL GRANT PROGRAM POLICY
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COMMERCIAL GRANT
PROGRAM
APPLICATION FORM
City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency
North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 — PROGRAM OVERVIEW
SECTION 2 — PURPOSE AND INTENT
SECTION 3 — AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE
SECTION 4 — ELIGIBLE PROPERTY AND APPLICANT
SECTION 5 — ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
SECTION 6 — REQUIREMENTSS, REVIEW & APPROVAL PROCESS
SECTION 7 — DISBURSEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE
SECTION 8 — GRANT EXPIRATION
SECTION 9 — ALTERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
SECTION 10 — COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY OF CLEARWATER ETHICS CODE
SECTION 11 — APPLICATION
SECTION 12 — ELIGIBLE CRA AREA MAP
SECTION 13 — ATTACHMENT A — PROJECT BUDGET
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Commercial Orant Program & Application Form
Approved by the CRA Trustees on July 15, 2024
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COMMERCIAL GRANT PROGRAM
The Program provides a grant up to $75,000.
SECTION 1 — PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Commercial Grant Program (Program) is designed to promote reinvestment in business
development and incentivize commercial property owners and business owners located within
the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (NGCRA) to make building, structural,
and site improvements to their property. In addition, the Program will aid to create a positive
visual impact on the image and character of the community. The Program aims to strengthen
local businesses — improving their competitiveness, productivity, capacity, job creation abilities —
and promotes a business -friendly atmosphere.
SECTION 2 — PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose of the Program is to support the implementation of the adopted Community
Redevelopment Area Plan (Plan) for the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area in
accordance with the Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969. Sections 163.330, et seq.,
Florida Statutes, by:
1) Carrying out plans for a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of
buildings or other improvements in accordance with the community redevelopment plan
(Sections 163.370(2)(c)(5), Florida Statutes).
2) All plan recommendations must be implemented in, or benefit residents and businesses
located in this defined area (NGCRA boundary) (Plan Section 2.5, Establishment of CRA
Boundaries, page 9).
3) Encourage commercial or mixed-use development along North Martin Luther King Jr.
Avenue (Plan Section 2.6, Public Engagement and Outreach, page 85).
4) Encourage commercial development along Pinellas Trail (Plan Section 2.6, Public
Engagement and Outreach, page 85).
5) Increase access to high paying jobs for the residents of the North Greenwood CRA both
within and outside of the area through workforce development, business assistance
programs, and support for entrepreneurs (Plan Section 3.2 Goals & Objectives, Goal 3
Poverty Reduction, page 93). (NGCRA funds are only applicable within the NGCRA
boundary.)
6) Develop a grant program to fund improvements to commercial buildings, to establish
new businesses, and reduce blight in the North Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
commercial corridor (Plan Section 4.5, Plan Implementation, Table 15, Goal 3 Policy
Implementation: Poverty Reduction, page 138).
7) Creating value for the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area by (themes
stressed throughout the Plan):
a. Promoting a business, consumer, family and resident friendly atmosphere;
b. Creating more dining, retail, and entertainment opportunities;
c. Creating additional employment opportunities;
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d. Promoting infill and adaptive reuse of properties;
e. Incentivizing property owners to enhance the value of their respective property;
f. Encouraging private investment in the improvement of commercial properties;
g. Reducing vacancies in commercial buildings; and
h. Increasing the functionality of existing buildings.
It is the intent of this Program to attract or improve the following types of businesses to the CRA
(not limited to the following):
• Retail;
• Restaurants and food services (e.g., full-service sit-down restaurants, fast food
restaurants, buffet or cafeteria restaurants, coffeehouse/shops with food component,
cafes, bistros, delicatessens, bakeries, grocery stores, etc.);
• Micro -brewery;
• Personal services (e.g., barber, salons, beauty shops, tailors, childcare, etc.);
• Art studios and galleries;
• Co -working space; and
• Professional offices.
In addition, it is the intent of this Program to incentivize improvements to the area that go
beyond what is required by the City's development codes to enhance the form, function, and
design quality of the redevelopment area. It is not the intent of the CRA to engage in any
rehabilitation activity that requires vacating property or displacing any business establishments
or residents from property. Moreover, it is not the intent of this Program to assist in the
development of new construction projects on vacant land. Rather, it is to rehabilitate and
enhance area commercial structures exhibiting deterioration and decline.
SECTION 3 — AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE
The Program provides a grant up to $75,000 to assist applicants with improvements to
commercial properties. To qualify for Program grant funds, the Applicant must match the grant
amount by the percentage amount listed in Table 1 below, or greater investment, of
private funds or other verifiable grant funds for the rehabilitation and restoration of a
qualifying commercial property located within the NGCRA. The grant is a reimbursement grant
to the Applicant, unless otherwise approved by the CRA Director to pay an approved licensed
contractor/vendor directly, no more than one payment within a 30 -day period.
Legacy Credit: Applicants may qualify for a "Legacy Credit" which rewards long-term business
owners located within the NGCRA. The credit works alongside the grant. The credit can reduce
the match all the way down to zero. The Applicant will match the grant amount by the
percentages listed below (must provide proof of matching funds prior to grant approval):
Match Responsibilit
Years of Business Ownership at Property
Match Responsibility %
Less than 5 (no Legacy Credit)
40%
5
30%
10
20%
15
10%
20 or more
0%
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Community Service Credit: In addition, up to 50% of Applicant's match may be waived at the
rate of one hour of community service per $300 of approved grant amount. (Community
Service must be performed by Applicant within the NGCRA boundary and through a tax-
exempt not-for-profit organization recognized by the CRA or City of Clearwater.
Community service must be performed without pay or compensation from the
organization, and service must be performed in full hour increments rounding up to the
nearest whole hour. Scope of community service must be pre -approved by the CRA
Director, prior to commencement. In addition, said community service must be
performed prior to release of grant funds.)
SECTION 4 — ELIGIBLE PROPERTY AND APPLICANT
To be eligible for the Program, the Applicant must meet all the following qualifications:
• Must be the owner* of the subject property.
• The business must be an allowable use on the subject property in accordance with the
City's Land and Building Development Regulations/Codes.
• Must be current in all property taxes and City of Clearwater (City) business fees.
• Must be in good standing with the city (no outstanding code enforcement or building
code violations). This requirement may be waived by the CRA Director if the work
proposed under this application will remediate all code violations.
• Property must be free of code enforcement liens or other City liens.
• The business or new proposed business on the property must be an independently
owned and operated local business.
• If the business is an independently owned and operated franchise, other franchise
locations associated with the same brand must ONLY be located within the municipal
boundary of the city.
o The proposed business on the property must make independent decisions
regarding its name, signage, brand, appearance, purchasing practices, hiring,
and distribution, and must be solely responsible for paying its own mortgage,
rent, marketing, and other business expenses without assistance from a
corporate headquarters outside of the City limits.
*The owner of the Property (Owner) shall be the Applicant, unless the Owner authorizes a
business owner occupying the property by a valid lease to undertake improvements on the
property. Owner means a holder of any legal or equitable estate in the premises, whether alone
or jointly with others and whether in possession or not shall include all individuals, associations,
partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies and others who have interest in a
structure and any who are in possession or control thereof as agent of the owner, as executor,
administrator, trustee, or guardian of the estate of the owner. No Owner shall receive more than
$75,000 in total CRA grant value across all CRA grant programs within a 12 -month rolling year.
For the purposes of this application, the total CRA grant value that an Owner has received over
such period shall be the combined value, in the 12 month period immediately preceding the
submission of an application for this program, of: (1) the amount of CRA grant funds that the
applicant has received; (2) the amount of CRA grant funds that any holder of legal title in the
subject property other than the applicant has received; and (3) if a business entity holds legal
title in the subject property, the total amount of CRA grant funds received by any directors,
members, partners, shareholders, any others with an ownership interest in such entity, and any
others able to exert managerial control over or direct the affairs of said entity.
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SECTION 5 — ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
The following improvements or related items may be eligible for Program assistance:
Interior Improvements:
1) Electrical/plumbing upgrades and utility connections;
2) Grease traps/interceptors;
3) Venting, HVAC, mechanical systems, and water heaters;
4) Sprinkler/fire suppression systems, firewalls, life safety improvements;
5) Certain fixed solid waste and recycling management systems;
6) American with Disabilities Act (ADA) systems;
7) Internal structural stabilization systems (e.g., repair and replacement of load bearing
walls, columns, beams/girders, joist, etc.);
8) Interior walls (including drywall), ceilings, floors, doors, and molding;
9) Interior paint;
10) Wall insulation;
11) Certain permanent bathroom and kitchen counter tops, cabinets, sinks;
12) Interior historical restoration; or
13) Other permanent improvements may be submitted for consideration but must
demonstrate that the improvement meets the intent of this grant program.
Exterior Improvements:
1) The repair of exterior walls;
2) Roof repairs or replacement, including facia board, soffits, and gutters;
3) *Decorative fencing;
4) Exterior repainting;
5) Exterior windows and/or doors;
6) Exterior signage;
7) Awnings or canopies over windows or walkways, including shutters, seating areas;
8) The installation, repair, or renovation of porches, patios, plazas;
9) The installation, repair, or renovation of pathways and sidewalks;
10) The installation of decorative lighting, and security lighting;
11) Parking area and driveway improvements;
12) Stormwater drainage improvements for properties with a history of flooding;
13) Bicycle racks, shade areas, benches, or other pedestrian amenities;
14) Certain Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) improvements
approved by the Police Department;
15) ADA accessibility improvements;
16) The removal of deteriorated or undesirable exterior alterations;
17) The installation of landscaping and irrigation systems, not to exceed twenty percent
(20%) of the total grant amount; or
18) Other permanent improvements may be submitted for consideration but must
demonstrate that the improvement meets the intent of this grant program.
*Chain link fencing, with or without slats, wooden stockade, board on board, and wooden picket
fencing are not eligible for the Program.
Other Eligible Items:
1) Predevelopment Cost (architecture, engineering fees, other as approved by CRA
Director) up to $5,000.
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The following are ineligible for assistance:
1) Past site or building improvements that were completed six months prior to the approval
of this application or completed under unrelated permits to the project permit issued by
the city for improvements identified under this application.
a. Only improvements listed in the itemized budget submitted as part of this
application will be considered for approval.
2) Improvements covered under the City's Facade Improvement Grant Program;
3) Non -permanent improvements such as, but not limited to, kitchen appliances (e.g.,
stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.), carpet, furniture, and window blinds;
4) Bars, clubs, and taverns (as defined by the City's Land Development Code);
5) Assistance to businesses located in residential homes.
6) Repairs to unsafe or substandard structures that cannot be made safe for tenant
occupancy with Program funds.
7) Repairs covered by insurance.
8) Non -permanent improvements.
9) Installation of window or door security bars.
10) Refinancing existing debts, business operational cost, payroll, etc.
11) Mobile Vendors.
12) Not-for-profit entities.
SECTION 6 — REQUIREMENTS, REVIEW & APPROVAL PROCESS
1) All statements and representations made in the application must be correct in all
material respects when made.
2) Tier 1 — for grant funding request up to $30,000 — completed applications that meet all
the Program requirements will be reviewed by the CRA Director. The CRA Director will
approve or deny applications based on the criteria set forth in this document.
3) Tier 2 — for grant funding request that exceed $30,000 — once the application is
determined to be complete by staff, the application will be scheduled, at the next
available Community Redevelopment Agency Trustees (CRA Trustees) meeting for
consideration. The CRA Trustees may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the
application.
4) Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Community Redevelopment Agency
Department staff prior to applying. The Community Redevelopment Agency Department
(Department) is located at 600 Cleveland Street, Suite 600, Clearwater, Florida 33755.
To schedule an appointment, contact staff at 727-562-4039. Applications will be received
on an ongoing basis.
5) If applicable, fully executed, and notarized copy of the Owners' Affidavit form, including
property description and property address. If the forms are prepared and signed by a
representative of the Owner, a legal Power -of -Attorney document must be submitted
with the application.
6) Applicants must submit, as part of the application, design plans and floorplan accurately
delineating the square footage of the improvement area within the commercial structure.
6
7) Digital photographs of the existing structure, interior and exterior, must be provided with
application.
8) An estimated itemized/detailed budget must be provided on the budget form in the
application.
9) Work required to be performed by licensed contractors. Applicant must provide, as
attachments, three quotes from contractors and copies of their licenses. Quotes to
include complete description of materials to be used.
• If work is performed by non -licensed workers, then only materials purchased will
be eligible for grant funds, unless the work performed was required to be
performed by a licensed individual per City codes.
10) Portions of the project costs not funded by the requested grant must be provided by
Owner funding. Owner funding may consist of bank loans, lines of credit, grants, and
owned assets (Owner Equity), etc.
11) Owner must demonstrate their source of the Owner Funding and their ability to meet the
financial obligations of the Program.
12) Proceeds from other City -managed financial assistance programs may be used as
Owner Equity to satisfy the Owner Funding requirements of this Program and may be
used to assist with funding of remaining portion of larger improvement project. Grant
funds cannot be used as Owner Equity to satisfy the Owner Funding requirements of
other City -managed financial assistance programs.
13) Staff will review the application for completeness, which includes all required
attachments and requested data. A post -application submittal conference will be held
with the Applicant to discuss any issues or deficiencies with the application.
14) Incomplete applications will not be considered submitted until all required documentation
has been submitted to Community Redevelopment Agency Department staff. Submittal
of an application does not guarantee a grant award.
15) The Applicant will be required to obtain quotes/estimates from licensed
contractors/design professionals for eligible improvements and submit said
quotes/estimates as part of the grant application submission.
16) All construction/design contracts will be between the Applicant and the contractor or
design professional.
SECTION 7 — DISBURSEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Grant funds will, unless otherwise approved by the CRA Director to allow initial project deposits
or other necessary draws, up to fifty percent of the grant amount, to be paid directly to a
City/CRA approved licensed contractor/vendor, be disbursed upon a "Finding of Project
Completion" by CRA Director. A "Finding of Project Completion" will be granted when the
following criteria are met:
7
1) Applicant must demonstrate their ability to meet the financial match/obligations of the
Program and any required community service has been completed by qualifying
applicants.
2) Requests for disbursement of project costs will be viewed as a single, completed
package, unless prior disbursement of funds arrangements have been made to pay
licensed contractors directly (no more than one payment within a 30 -day period). Costs
not included in the approved application budget will not be considered for disbursement.
3) Required documentation for disbursement of project costs must include:
a) Copies of cancelled checks, certified checks or money orders of project costs, or
credit card statements of project cost;
b) Detailed invoices and paid receipts signed, dated, and marked "paid in full;"
c) Name, address, telephone number of design professional(s), general contractor, etc.;
d) Photographs of the project (before and after photos).
4) The Applicant must have obtained all necessary/required permits (e.g. zoning and
building), passed all required inspections, and prior to final disbursement of funds
received (if relevant) notice, in the form of a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of
Completion for the project demonstrating the legal occupancy of the project area. Any
work performed without a permit that required a permit will not be eligible for
grant funding.
5) The CRA disburses funds to grant recipients within 30 days of fully completed
reimbursement request.
SECTION 8 — GRANT EXPIRATION
Applicants must receive a "Finding of Project Completion" within 365 calendar days from the
date of application approval. After the said 365 days, the grant will expire. An extension for the
grant funds may be granted by the CRA Director for a good cause. It is the responsibility of the
Applicant to request an extension of the grant approval before the expiration date.
SECTION 9 — ALTERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
The improvements will be maintained in accordance with City policies, codes and any other
applicable requirements identified by the City, CRA, or other agencies for a period not less than
three years, or upon written approval by CRA Director.
SECTION 10 — COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY OF CLEARWATER ETHICS CODE
The applicant will comply with all applicable City rules and regulations including the City's Ethics
Codes. Moreover, each applicant to the Program acknowledges and understands that the City's
Ethics Code prohibit City employees from receiving any benefit, direct or indirect, from any
contract or obligation entered with the City.
8
Case Number:
SECTION 11 — APPLICATION
COMMERCIAL GRANT PROGRAM
1) Applicant (Property Owner)
Entity Name (if any):
Full Legal Name and Title (if any):
Mailing Address:
City/State/Zip:
Phone Number:
E-mail Address:
Web Site (if available):
2) Authorized Agent (If applicable)
Entity Name (if any):
Full Legal Name and Title (if any):
Mailing Address:
City/State/Zip:
Phone Number:
E-mail Address:
3) Subject Property/Location of Proposed Project
Address commonly known as:
Parcel Identification Number(s) or Folio Number(s):
Property is designated as a Local Landmark: Yes
No
4) Project description, scope of work to be performed, sketch plans and specifications
detailing the scope of work (provide attachment if needed). Applicant understands
that depending on the project, certain City Departments may require additional
documentation, plans, etc. to properly review and approve the proposed project
described in this application.
9
5) Describe existing uses and conditions on the property (include photographs as
attachments):
6) Financial Disclosure
Amount of Grant Requested:
$
Project Budget - Sources/Uses of Funds (complete Attachment A: Project Budget)
Owner Equity;
$
Other Funds:
$
Grant Request:
$
Total Project Funding:
$
My Property Is up to date with taxes, fees, and complies with City codes and regulations:
Yeses No
If the Applicant has received loan or grant assistance from a city -managed financial
assistance program for a project at this address, please specify the program(s) and the
loan/grant amount(s).
1.
$
2.
$
PLEASE NOTE: Grants are awarded on a first come, first qualified basis until funds have
been depleted.
I UNDERSTAND THAT IN ORDER FOR MY REQUEST FOR GRANT FUNDING TO BE
APPROVED, I MUST AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1) To adhere to the application procedures and guidelines as specified.
2) That additional improvements or changes not approved in the original grant application
will not be funded by the CRA.
3) That disbursement of grant funds will only occur after:
10
a) All improvements have been completed or as otherwise approved by the CRA Director;
b) Inspections of the improvements are approved by the appropriate City Officials or other
required authorities, if any; and
c) Proof of payment, as described in this document, for project costs approved in the
grant application.
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE RECEIVED AND UNDERSTAND THE GRANT GUIDELINES
HEREIN ABOVE STATED. IN ADDITION, BY EXECUTING THIS APPLICATION, I
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE THIS APPLICATION.
Entity Name (if any)
Applicant Signature Printed Name and Title (if any)
Date
STATE OF COUNTY OF
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of , 20 ,
by , as (title if applicable)
of (Entity name if any) , who [ ] is
personally known to me or [ ] has produced identification.
Type of identification produced:
My commission expires:
(Notary Seal) Notary Public Signature Notary Public Print Name
Mail or hand deliver completed application form to:
Community Redevelopment Agency
City of Clearwater / 600 Cleveland Street, Suite 600 / Clearwater, FL 33755
For question call the Community Redevelopment Department at 727-562-4039
11
SECTION 12 — ELIGIBLE CRA AREA MAP
NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
.tapered ee
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Boundary
Area not in Clearwater
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Reviewed By: ES
Aerial Flown 2023
Date: 1040/2023
Page: 1 of 1
Scale.N.T,S.
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12
SECTION 13 — ATTACHMENT A — PROJECT BUDGET
Attachment A - Project Budget Form
(Attach contractor/vendor estimates/quotes for consistency verification of items listed below. Contactor/vendor estimates/quotes
improvement item descriptions and cost will supersede if improvement item descriptions and cost are listed different below. If more
project budget form lines are need, Applicant may duplicate budget template below on separate sheet. If new Project Budget Form
is created, write "See Attached" in Line No. 1 below.
For Applicant Use
For staff use only
Line(Including
Item No.
Improvement(s) Item Description
construction materials, labor,
permitting, other fees, etc.)
Improvements)
Cost Amount
Line Item Eligible for
Grant Consideration
Yes/No
Cost Amount
Eligible for
Grant (%)
1
$
$
2
$
$
3
$
$
4
$
$
5
$
$
6
$
$
7
$
$
8
$
$
9
$
$
10
$
$
11
$
$
12
$
$
13
$
$
14
$
$
15
$
$
16
Architecture and Engineering fees
$
$
17
$
$
Total Improvement(s) Cost Amount
$
Total Cost Amount
Eligible for Grant
Consideration
$
Authorized
Signature: Date:
13
EXHIBIT "C"
GRANT APPLICATION AND PLAN SPECIFICATIONS
11
Case Number: .4G -C_ 2�. 02-
SECTION 11— APPLICATION
COMMERCIAL GRANT PROGRAM
1) Applicant (Property Owner)
Entity Name (if any): B IG JIM'S & FAMILY BARBEQUE LLC
Full Legal Name and Title (if any):YVETTE PENDLETON, MGR
Mailing Address:1303 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE
City/State/Zip:CLEARWATER, FL 33755
Phone Number:727_251-5876
E-mail Address: yvette2470@gmail.com
Web Site (if available):
2) Authorized Agent (If applicable)
Entity Name (if any):
Full Legal Name and Title (if any):YVETTE PENDLETON, MGR
Mailing Address:1303 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE
City/State/Zip:CLEARWATER, FL 33755
Phone Number:727_251-5876
E-mail Address:yvette2470@gmail.com
3) Subject Property/Location of Proposed Project
Address commonly known as:1303 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE
CLEARWATER, FL 33755
Parcel Identification Number(s) or Folio Number(s):10-29-15-33552-004-0340
Property is designated as a Local Landmark: Yes No x
_
4) Project description, scope of work to be performed, sketch plans and specifications
detailing the scope of work (provide attachment if needed). Applicant understands
that depending on the project, certain City Departments may require additional
documentation, plans, etc. to properly review and approve the proposed project
described in this application.
r ,SPrANku-€` _ 4SZe eli
‘N'tEeao2 �mP�'�`�'`� � P wnn�inxa vwcx�oES , PRuscMt � AC, , fl2E
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9
•
•
5) Describe existing uses and conditions on the property (include photographs as
attachments):
The structure requires both interior and exterior renovations to enhance its
appearance and functionality, creating a revitalized and inviting space.
6) Financial Disclosure
Amount of Grant Requested:
$75,000
Project Budget — Sources/Uses of Funds (complete Attachment A: Project Budget)
Owner Equity:
$
Other Funds.
$
Grant Request:
$
Total Project Funding:
$
My Property Is up to date with taxes, fees, and complies with City codes and regulations:
Yes ✓ No
If the Applicant has received loan or grant assistance from a city -managed financial
assistance program for a project at this address, please specify the program(s) and the
loan/grant amount(s).
1.
$
2.
$
PLEASE NOTE: Grants are awarded on a first come, first qualified basis until funds have
been depleted.
I UNDERSTAND THAT IN ORDER FOR MY REQUEST FOR GRANT FUNDING TO BE
APPROVED, I MUST AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1) To adhere to the application procedures and guidelines as specified.
2) That additional improvements or changes not approved in the original grant application
will not be funded by the CRA.
3) That disbursement of grant funds will only occur after:
10
• •
a) All improvements have been completed or as otherwise approved by the CRA Director;
b) Inspections of the improvements are approved by the appropriate City Officials or other
required authorities, if any; and
c) Proof of payment, as described in this document, for project costs approved in the
grant application.
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE RECEIVED AND UNDERSTAND THE GRANT GUIDELINES
HEREIN ABOVE STATED. IN ADDITION, BY EXECUTING THIS APPLICATION, I
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE THIS APPLICATION.
BIG JIM'S & FAMILY BARBEQUE LLC
Entity Name
A
plicant Si. ature
0)
Date
STATE OF 'FLORIDA
YVETTE PENDLETON, MGR
Printed Name and Title (if any)
COUNTY OF PtNELLAS
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 115 day of N{ovam+3Ei2, 202-4 ,
by 'NA/GI-re k4D1- TO•s , as (title if applicable) WIC -
of (Entity name if any) gla•ii SkRISEQue u -C , who [
personally known to me or [as produced identification.
Type of identification produced: A--
My
I-
My commission expires:
(Notary Seal) Nota , Public Signature Notary Public Print Name
AS
] is
,,,'r: Julia C. Baltas
fir .; Comm.: HH 601100
xpires: Oct. 7, 2028
9,,''; NOON Pubic State of Florida
Mail or hand deliver completed application form to:
Community Redevelopment Agency
City of Clearwater/600 Cleveland Street, Suite 600 / Clearwater, FL 33755
For question call the Community Redevelopment Department at 7275624039
11
SECTION 12 - ELIGIBLE CRA AREA MAP
NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
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Pt. 1777SNT-759, Pia 0771479-470
.,n. 111.,tawsnwalorrani
North Greenwood CRA
Boundary
Area not in Clearwater
Jurisdiction
Map Gen By: KF
Reviewed By: ES
Aerial Fkrwn 2023
Date: 1012012023
Pape: 1 of 1
W e
Scale,N,T.S.
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12
Exhibit "E"
NO COERCION FOR LABOR OR SERVICES ATTESTATION
Pursuant to Section 787.06(13), F.S., this form must be completed by an officer or representative
of a nongovernmental entity when a contract is executed, renewed, or extended between the
nongovernmental entity and a governmental entity.
I.
vi 1Z eh )j 44/ ("does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in Section 787.06,
F S.
Under penalty of perjury, I de - i at
in it are true and correct.
Signature:
Printed Name
Title:
Date: /LA
I have read the foregoing statement and that the facts stated
IA,L)
12