DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL GRANT AGREEMENT - DTC-C-25-22DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL GRANT AGREEMENT
DTC -C-25-22
This Downtown Commercial Grant Agreement (this "Agreement") is made as of,
jah/OUNS4704 by and between the COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 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
Megshi Enterprises Inc., a Florida corporation (the "Applicant") (collectively the Agency and
Applicant are the "Parties").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Agency was created to implement the community redevelopment
activities in the Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 (the "Act") codified at
Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, § 163.387(6)(c)4, Florida Statutes provides that the budget of a
community redevelopment agency may provide for clearance and preparation of any
redevelopment area for redevelopment; and
WHEREAS, § 163.387(6)(c)9, Florida Statutes provides that the budget of a
community redevelopment agency may provide for payment undertakings described in a
redevelopment plan and for expenses that are necessary to exercise the powers granted to
a community redevelopment agency under § 163.370, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, § 163.370(2)(a), Florida Statutes provides that one such power is the
ability to make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the
exercise of a community redevelopment agency's exercise of its power under the Act; and
WHEREAS, another such power is found in § 163.370(2)(c), Florida Statutes which
provides that a community redevelopment agency may undertake and carry out community
redevelopment and related activities within the community redevelopment area; and
WHEREAS, Objective 1 E of the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Area Plan
(the "Plan") provides that Cleveland Street is Downtown Clearwater's (the "Downtown's")
main street and valued for its historic character and pedestrian scale; and
WHEREAS, Objective 1D of the Plan provides that the Agency will encourage a
variety of office -intensive businesses, including finance and insurance, IT/software,
professional services and medical to relocate and expand in Downtown to provide a stable
employment center; and
WHEREAS, Objective 3G of the Plan provides that the Agency will create and
activate space to work as a signature destination, including civic plazas, markets and retail
gathering places that promote economic growth for Downtown; and
WHEREAS, Objective 4A of the Plan provides that the Agency will encourage
Page 1 of 11
redevelopment that contains a variety of building forms and style.
WHEREAS, Objective 4D of the Plan provides that the Agency will encourage
renovation, restoration, and reuse of existing historic structures to maintain the character of
the Downtown's neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, on August 12, 2024, the Agency's Board of Trustees approved the
Downtown Commercial Grant Program (the "Program") with the goals of reducing blight and
activate, commercial spaces with uses that aspire to generate creative and innovative
gathering spaces, walkable pedestrian thoroughfares, and increased overall activity. This
Program can also help a business or developer "close the gap" in their financial ability to
meet the goals of the Agency's Area Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Agency has approved forty-two thousand four hundred seventy-
seven dollars and 50/100 cents ($42,477.50) in financial assistant under the Program to
provide improvement assistance to the property located at 1401 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33755 (the "Property"). The grant is to provide retroactive reimbursement for
the completed work, including the epoxy flooring, new windows, permanent bench
installation, cabinetry and gutter, refinished exterior and interior walls, and related finishings.
(the "Project") as further detailed in the Applicant's grant application and Project description;
and
WHEREAS, the Plan also states that the City of Clearwater ("the City") shall
encourage a vibrant and active public realm, recreation and entertainment opportunities and
support the community and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant intends to make improvements to the Property in the
Downtown area for commercial use; and
WHEREAS, the Agency finds that providing financial assistance for redevelopment
of blighted property is a permissible expenditure under the Agency's approved budget and
the Act; and
WHEREAS, the Agency finds that the Property currently sits in a blighted state of
existence; 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.
Page 2 of 11
2. Intent; Purpose of Agreement. The purpose of this Agreement is to further the
implementation of the Plan by providing grants for redevelopment, rehabilitation, and
enhance area commercial structures exhibiting deterioration and decline in substantial
compliance with the Application, all to incentivize improvements to the area, and improve
the aesthetic and useful enjoyment of the Downtown through the eradication of conditions
of blight, all in accordance with and in furtherance of the Plan and as authorized by and
in accordance with the Act.
II. APPLICANT WARRANTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Development of the Prosect. The Applicant shall complete the Project in
substantial compliance with the Program and the Application. The Applicant must receive
a "Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion" within three hundred sixty-five
(365) calendar days from the date of the executed grant agreement. After the said three
hundred sixty-five (365) days, the grant will expire. An extension for the grant funds may
be granted by the Director for a good cause. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to
request an extension of the grant approval before the expiration date.
2. Applicant's Project Contribution. As a condition of receiving reimbursement grant
funding from the Agency, the Applicant shall provide required documentation for
disbursement as stated in the grant program guidelines under Section 7. The Applicant
shall contribute twenty-two thousand eight hundred seventy-two dollars and 50/100 cents
($22,872.50) in 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 Director may allow initial project deposits or other necessary draws, up to
fifty percent (50%) of the grant amount, to be paid directly to a City/CRA approved
licensed contractor/vendor.
3. Warranties of the Applicant. The Applicant warrants that all the following
qualifications have been met:
a. The Applicant is the property owner or commercial/business tenant.
b. The business must be an allowable use on the subject property in accordance with
the City's Land and Building Development Regulations/Codes.
c. Must be current in all property taxes and City business fees
d. Must be in good standing with the city (no outstanding code enforcement or building
code violations). This requirement may be waived by the Director if the work
proposed under this application will remediate all code violations.
e. Property must be free of code enforcement liens or other City liens.
f. The business or new proposed business on the Property must be an independently
owned and operated local business.
g. If the business is independently owned and operated franchise, other franchise
locations associated with the same brand must ONLY be located within the municipal
boundary of the City.
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i. 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.
h. *The owner of the Property is 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. For the purposes of this application, the total Agency grant value
that an owner has received over such period shall be the combined value, in the
twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the submission of an application for
this program, of: (1) the amount of Agency grant funds that the applicant has
received; (2) the amount of Agency 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 Agency 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.
III. AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Grant Funding. The Agency shall reimburse the Applicant for the Project's eligible
costs up to forty-two thousand four hundred seventy-seven dollars and 50/100 cents
($42,477.50) ("Grant Funds") as provided under the Program, payable within (30) days
after receipt of a fully completed reimbursement request after verification by the Agency
that the Project has been completed and evidence that the Applicant has actually incurred
these Project costs to the satisfaction of the Director. The Director may allow earlier draw
requests of Grant Funds to approved licensed contractors in accordance with the
Program where applicable.
The Director retains sole discretion to determine whether the Project meets the
requirements of this Agreement or the Program and Application. If the Director determines
that the Project does not meet said requirements, then the Parties agree that the
Director's decision is final, the Agency shall not owe any monies to the Applicant for the
requested reimbursement, and the Applicant shall have no recourse against the Agency.
IV. APPLICANT DEFAULT
1. Failure to Complete Project Work. If the Applicant fails to receive a "Certificate of
Occupancy or Certificate of Completion" within three hundred sixty five (365) calendar
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days form the date of the executed grant agreement in substantial compliance with the
Program and the Application then the Parties agree that the Applicant shall be in default
under this Agreement, this Agreement shall immediately become null and void, and the
Agency will have no further responsibility to the Applicant, including but not limited to the
responsibility to tender the reimbursement funds to the Applicant. An extension for the
grant funds 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 sixty-five
(365) day period.
2. Other Events of Default. In addition to the foregoing events of default, the
occurrence of any one or more of the following events after the Effective Date shall also
constitute an event of default by the Applicant:
A. The Applicant shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors,
or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due or shall
file a petition in bankruptcy, or shall be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or
shall file a petition seeking any reorganization, arrangement, composition,
readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any present or
future statute, law or regulation or shall file an answer admitting, or shall fail
reasonably to contest, the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any
such proceeding, or shall seek or consent to or acquiesce in the appointment
of any trustee, receiver or liquidator of the Applicant or any material part of
such entity's properties; or
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 of any
trustee, receiver or liquidator of any of such entities or of any material part of
any of such entity's properties, such appointment shall not have been vacated.
C. A breach by the Applicant of any other term, condition, requirement, or warranty
of this Agreement or the Policy.
3. Aqency'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(4), 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 reimbursement funds to the Applicant; and c) that if the Agency
has tendered reimbursement funds to the Applicant, the Agency shall be entitled to the
return of all reimbursement funds plus default interest at a rate of ten percent (10%)
starting from the date of default.
4. Notice of Default and Opportunity to Cure. The Agency shall provide written notice
of any default under this Agreement and provide the Applicant thirty (30) days from the
Page 5 of 11
date the notice is sent to cure the default if it is an event listed under Sections IV(2). This
notice will be deemed sent when sent by first class mail to the Applicant's notice address
or when delivered to the Applicant if sent by a different means.
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 property for each
party indicated below and addressed as follows:
To the Applicant:
Megshi Enterprises Inc.
1401 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33755
To the Agency:
Community Redevelopment Agency of
the City of Clearwater
P.O. Box 4748
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
Page 6 of 11
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 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
must be agreed to and approved by the Agency's trustees.
3. Indemnification. The Applicant agrees to assume all risks of inherent in this
Agreement and all liability therefore, and shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the
Agency and the City of a Clearwater, a 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 the 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, any 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 any section 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 any
part of any section in this Agreement.
7. Amendments. This Agreement cannot be changed or revised except by written
amendment signed by the Parties hereto.
Page 7 of 11
8. Jurisdiction and Venue. For purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding
arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the parties hereto 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 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(1).
9. Termination. If not earlier terminated as provided in this Agreement, the
term of this Agreement shall expire, and this Agreement shall no longer be of any force
and effect on two years of the anniversary Effective Date.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the
date and year first above written.
Page 8 of 11
(AGENCY SIGNATURE PAGE)
Approved as to form:
Matthew J. Mytych, Esq.
CRA Attorney
Date: 17/01 of
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF
THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, a public
body corporate and politic of the State of Florida.
By:
Jesus no CRA Executive Director
Date: 1
Attest:
ad) Otkie
Rosemarie CaII
City Clerk
Date: 9 k
Page 9 of 11
(APPLICANT SIGNATURE PAGE)
Megshi Enterprises Inc.,
a Florida corporation.
By:
Print na e.
Title:
Date: ' (—I 12S
STATE OF FLORIDA )
COUNTY OF PINELLAS )
The foregoing instrument acknowl- • ged before me by means ./'n hysical • res - nce or
❑ online notarization, this day of i, t , 2025 by V & t �, i)6,
as LAI ipt_Jk2 of ILA 0 MAW e Tr. ❑ is/are personal) known to me or
\gfiho has/have produced a driver's license as ite ratification.
(NOTARIAL SEAL)
Vickie I. Shue
Comm.: HH 630592
Expires: Jan. 26, 2029
•••.9;;;T ` Notary Public • State of Florida
Notary Public, 'St t .of Florid
Name of Notary: V I
My Commission Expires.
My Commission No.:
Page 10 of 11
Exhibit "A"
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.
Sti; &14erPr IRDS Ir‘c • does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in Section
787.06, F.S.
Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing statement and that the
facts stated in it are true and correct.
Signature:
Printed Name: : t- ; ka 03..i- J
Title: ?carr rah
Date: /Z�..� /25
Page 11 of 11
12/8/2025
Megshi Enterprises Inc.
1401 Gulf to Bay Blvd. Clearwater
Clearwater, FL 33755
CITY OF CLEARWATER
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
POST OFFICE Box 4748, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33758-4748
600 CLEVELAND STREET, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33755
TELEPHONE (727) 562-4039
RE: DTC CRA Grant Award Letter Notification (DTC -C-25-22)
Dear Megi Duhanxhiu,
This letter is to inform you that the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has approved your application
for a Commercial Grant for the project specified in the grant agreement attached hereto. The grant funding
has been approved up to a maximum of $42,477.50, subject to the terms and conditions of the grant
agreement, for your property located at 1401 Gulf to Bay Blvd. Clearwater, Clearwater, Florida 33755.
As a condition of receiving reimbursement grant funding from the Agency, the Applicant shall:
• Provide a thirty-five (35%) match of total project cost totaling twenty-two thousand eight hundred
seventy-two dollars and 50/100 cents ($22,872.50) in monetary contribution toward the Project.
Applicant Next Steps: Complete the enclosed grant agreement and return to CRA staff.
If you have any questions regarding your DTC CRA Grant award letter, please contact
Vickie.shire@myclearwater.com.
Sincerely,
Jesus Nino
CRA Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency
Ryan Cotton, Councilmember
Mike Mannino, Councilmember
Bruce Rector, Mayor
David Allbritton, Councilmember
Lina Teixeira, Councilmember
"Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Employer"
SECTION 11 — APPLICATION
COMMERCIAL GRANT PROGRAM
Please circle if you are the:
roperty Owner
Case Number:
1) Applicant: Y
Entity Name (if any):
Full Legal Name and Title (if any):
Entity Name (if any):MEGSHI ENTERPRISES t no_ ,
Full Legal Name and Title (if any):MEGI DUHANXHIU / HELEDIO MEKSHI
Mailing Address:2715 VIA CAPRI UNIT 738
City/State/Zip:CLEARWATER FL 33764
Phone Number:917-754-9013
E-mail Address:defactocafeusa@gmail.com
Web Site (if available):
Lease Term (if applicable):
If applicant is not the property owner, please fill out section 2
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:1401 Gulf to Bay Blvd clearwater FL 33755
Parcel Identification Number(s): 14-29-15-47016-004-0000
Property is designated as a Local Landmark: Yes ❑ No
4) Project description (including business name, tenant description, type of business,
proposed hours of operation, proposed opening date or proposed project
completion date), scope of work to be performed, project schedule, 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.
10
De Facto Cafe & Wine Bar is an owner -operated specialty cafe and wine bar offering coffee, tea, beer, wine,
and pre-packaged or premade food items in a comfortable, contemporary setting. The owners are Clearwater locals who
own both the property and the business. As parents to a one -year-old and expecting their second child in December, they are excited to
embark on this family -run venture and create a welcoming neighborhood gathering spot for the community.
The scope of work includes completion of interior buildout with bar and seating installation, lighting, and decorative finishes. Construction is
nearing completion, and the business anticipates opening in November 2025. Proposed hours of
operation are 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days per week.
The owners are deeply committed to enhancing the beauty and vitality of downtown Clearwater—particularly their street—and are
dedicated to maintaining the property and surrounding corner to the highest standard. They are passionate about helping
the area thrive, attracting visitors and locals alike, and contributing to the continued growth and charm of the downtown community.
5) Describe existing uses and conditions on the property (include photographs as
attachments):
When purchased, the building contained all necessary fixtures but had not been in
operation for several years. The space was vacant and unused at the time of
acquisition. Based on available information, the property was previously used as a
seafood takeout restaurant under prior ownership. The structure remains in good
condition, requiring primarily interior updates and cosmetic improvements to
accommodate the new cafe and wine bar use.
6) Financial Disclosure
Amount of Grant Requested:
$70,300
Project Budget — Sources/Uses of Funds (complete Attachment A: Project Budget)
Owner Equity:
$70,300 v
Other Funds:
$ _ 3�
Grant Request:
$Vi\ ---1°
Q U,`()-
Total Project Funding:
$
My Property Is up to date with taxes, fees, and complies with City codes and regulations:
Yesi 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. 1
$
PLEASE NOTE: Grants are awarded on a first come, first qualified basis until funds have
been depleted.
11
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:
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.
•
r 'S(.
Entity N
Applic. nt
037Z�
Date
DoVonyil'\u
PrintecVName and Title (if any)
re,sitcAt)
STATE OF COUNTY OF p',\„,,sLA
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 30 day of 6 G O
by LAI ckn y , as (title if applicable) p(r i AA),
of (Entity name if any) '�t5 Sh i Env p(1 ) I fl e , who [ ] is
personally known to me o has produced identification.
Type of identification produced:
My commission expires:
(Notary Seal)
Vickie L. Shire
Comm.: HH 630592
Expires: Jan. 26, 2029
;,,;^t••'' Notary Public - State of Florida
otary 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 calf the Community Redevelopment Department at 727-562-4098.
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
Item No.
Improvement(s) Item Description
(Including construction materials, labor,
permitting, other fees, etc.)
Improvements)
Cost Amount
Line Item Eligible for
Grant Consideration
Yes/No
Cost Amount
Eligible for
Grant (%)
'1
REDONE FLOORS EPDXY
$7750
•
e.
$ )74,0
2
PLASTERJPAINT INTERIOR EXTERIOR AND CUSTOM CAIBNETRY
$ 36200
S
$ ;j aoo
3
NEW WINDOWS
$ 9200
tt-5
$
4
CUSTOM BENCH INSTALLED
$ 8200
ypc5
$ R.)(:).)
PA 5
ESPRESSO MACHINE, FRIDGE
$ 4950
0afl $
6
PLASTER
$ 4000
f
$ 11 ,100c
7
$
$
8
$
$
9
$
$
10
$
$
11
$
$
12
$
$
13
$
$
14
$
$
15
$
$
16
Architecture and Engineering fees
$
$
17
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Form W
-9
(Rev. March 2024)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Request for Taxpayer
Identification Number and Certification
Go to www.irs.gov/FormW9 for instructions and the latest information.
Give form to the
requester. Do not
send to the IRS.
Before you begin. For guidance
related to the purpose of Form W-9, see Purpose of Form, below.
1 Name of entity/individual.
entity's name on line 2.)
An entry is required. (For a sole proprietor or disregarded entity, enter the owner's name on line 1, and enter the business/disregarded
Print or type.
See Specific Instructions on page 3.
2 Business)ame/disreag rded entity name, if ditfereNm above.
kc/� �l
3a
Check the appropriate box for federal
only one of the following seven boxes.
IN Individual/sole proprietor
MI LLC. Enter the tax classification
tax classification of the entity/individual whose
• C corporation %S corporation
(C = C corporation, S = S corporation, P = Partnership)
name is entered on line 1. Check
• Partnership • Trust/estate
. . . .
4 Exemptions (codes apply only to
certain entities, not individuals;
see instructions on page 3):
Exempt payee code (if any)
Note: Check the "LLC" box above and, in the entry space, enter the appropriate code (C, S, or P) for the tax
classification of the LLC, unless it is a disregarded entity. A disregarded entity should instead check the appropriate
box for the tax classification of its owner.
• Other (see instructions)
Exemption from Foreign Account Tax
Compliance Act (FATCA) reporting
code (if any)
3b If on line 3a you checked "Partnership" or "Trust/estate," or checked "LLC" and entered "P" as its tax classification,
and you are providing this form to a partnership, trust, or estate in which you have an ownership interest, check
this box if you have any foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries. See instructions MI
Ices to accounts maintained
(Applies
outside the United States.)
5 ,Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.). See instructions.
29-6 v� CA) r i Gm; U111t 123SIq
Requester's name and address (optional)
6 City, state, and ZIP code
eVrdivicAVI, rl. 33 CQ.'
7 List account number(s) here (optional)
Part I
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid
backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a
resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, seethe instructions for Part I, later. For other
Social security number
—
—
entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number,
TIN, later.
Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1. See also What Name and
Number To Give the Requester for guidelines on whose number to enter.
Part II
or
Employer identification number
9
b
2
q
3
Certification
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and
2. I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am
no longer subject to backup withholding; and
3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and
4. The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct.
Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding
because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid,
acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and, generally, payments
other than interest and dividends, you are not r- - ' ed to sign t- - certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II, later.
Sign
Here
Signature of
U.S. person
General Instructions
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise
noted.
Future developments. For the latest information about developments
related to Form W-9 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted
after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/FormW9.
What's New
Line 3a has been modified to clarify how a disregarded entity completes
this line. An LLC that is a disregarded entity should check the
appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. Otherwise, it
should check the "LLC" box and enter its appropriate tax classification.
Date
New line 3b has been added to this form. A flow-through entity is
required to complete this line to indicate that it has direct or indirect
foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries when it provides the Form W-9
to another flow-through entity in which it has an ownership interest. This
change is intended to provide a flow-through entity with information
regarding the status of its indirect foreign partners, owners, or
beneficiaries, so that it can satisfy any applicable reporting
requirements. For example, a partnership that has any indirect foreign
partners may be required to complete Schedules K-2 and K-3. See the
Partnership Instructions for Schedules K-2 and K-3 (Form 1065).
Purpose of Form
An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an
information return with the IRS is giving you this form because they
Cat. No. 10231X
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024)
' Form
(Rev: March 2024)
'Department of Treasury
Internal Revenue SerVice
RequestfOr Taxpayer.
Identification Number :and :Certification
Go to www-Irs.gov1Fam2WO. far instructions and the latest
'Giveform to the
requester. Do not
send to'theIRS.
:Before you begin. For guidance related to the purpose of Form W-9,..saa-Pbrpose of Forin; below.
1 Name of.entitY/Individual. AiVentty larequired..(For a sole proprietor or disregarded entify..enter the owner's name on Mel; and enter the business/disregarded
entity's name on line 2).
Tc13e3
2 Buitries Me/dist ct
ardeentity name,' if di erCe' tram'above.
1.---CtUkb:
3a Check the.iiPprepriateldok..for federal*.classcationertheentity/indIVIdual Whose name isenteredontine 1.•Checli•
only onedfltie f011OWIng.tetien boxes,
o Iricfividual/sole pMprietor G.corPoratiOn Scorporation PartnerthTp LII Trugyestate:
U ILO:Enter thetex classification (C = C corporation, S= Scorportfon, P Partnership) . . .
Note: Check the 1LLC " box above 'and, Frithe:entrif.spape, enter the.aPerepriateo'dde.(C,.% (MP) for the tax
classification of the LLO,..tiolese it Is a.clisragarded eritity..A.diaregarded entity•ehOuld'inatead dheciane appropriate
box fct thetgolassificatien:of its Owner.
O Other.tsee.instructioes,
3b lfoniire3ayouchecRed ".Partnershirfm'or 'Trust/estate, or Checked endentered 'P"eslts tax.ciassifleation,
•end you are'preViding..Inis.lonn to a partnership. trust, or estate•in which you have an •ownerahtp interest; check
*this box if yOu.haie any foreigrioartners, iivmers. or benefielaries,.S.ceinstructione •
4 ExemPtionsccecies apply/q0y. to.
certain entities, not individua(s
see Iristructiont on page.3):
. . .
Ranotpayeecode ft 'any)
Remotion tern Fereign Account Tax
CoMpliance Act(FATCA)repotting
Code (iisnyi
(4�119s to accntsMaihtainad
dutstdofiapriited:States.).
‘e /Address (number,stret;:and apt. or suite no.)....See Instructions.
(:,\PtAm. Uirk \t- as -A
.6. :pify,.ate;.and 210.code
C VOAXLV.Y' ss9,csiA
7 liatiaccedntnumber(s) hernloptional)
Reroester's.narne arid address (optic:ma!)
elin Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN irt the appropriate box, T.he.TIN provided must meich the name given on line 1. toevdid
backtIPWthholdirig; For Inditilduale, this Is generallyyaursociel security number ($$N).: However ; fore
resident alien, sole proprietor,: ordlsregarded entitY; seethe Instructions for Part I; later. For other
entities, it is:yOuremployer Identification number (IN). If you do not hav:e a number, see How to get A
/7N. later.
Notef ft the.accoUnt is lnmore.than one narne,..s'ee the:instructions:foe line 1. Seealso What Name and
Number To give.th.Requestpr forltildelines.on Whos0numberto.e.nteri
Sociatsecurity number
or
Employer identification number
et
b
2
q
3
•Part:11..
Certification
Linder Penalties of Pe jury; [Certify:filet:
1. The number shown on this fOrntiamycorrect.taioayer identification"nOinber (dr'l ant Waiting for. a•nuMber tb be•issuedIci'nie); and
pm riot subject to•baCkup withholding because. (a) lam exempt yrern backup withholding, or (b) I have .ribt.been.notified by the Internal ReVenUe'
Service (IRS) that.] am subject to.babkup withholding as a'reSult of a fallufitateprStall interestoi* dividends; or (c) the IRS has notified me thatram
rio longetsubjeotto•backdb wjthholding; and '
a. I am EMS: cifizen or ottiertia. person (defined belovv: and
4. The FATOA code(s) entered.= this form (if any) Indicatingthati ant exempt frordFAltAtepiinils.coireat.
Certificatiori inetrti titans. You mug cross Out -item 2 above fi'you have imen-nalifiedi;y the IRS-that.yOu are currently eubiect fa backup Withholding
because you have'tellecttO report all interest and dividends on your tax return, For teat estate Item 2 doe S not apply For mortgage interest paid,
• acqtrisiticin..drabanctortment of secured property, cancellation of debt,!confributIonSid an -Individual retirernintarrandenient (IRA); and; generally ; payments
'Other tharrinterest and•dividen • , you are•not r • ed.to sign t .certlfloatlorr; butyotr must provide your correct TIN:Seethe InstructionefOrPart II, later.
Sign
Here
signature of
U.S. person
General Instructibins.
'Sectiontreferendel are.to the Internal. Revenue. Code unless otherwise
noted..
' Futuredeveloaments. Forth@ latest 'information about developments
related to'Fdrin'W.-S and is instructions such as legislation enactedf
.afferthey.-vverepubliihed,igia to www:IiS.gCV/FormWA.
Whet's. New
Line .34 has been modified to clarify hol4 a disregarded pntity completes
this line An LI -C ihat is a •disregarded entity 'shaufd cheolk"the
appropriate box for the tax classificatn• of itsowrier. Otherwise, it
'should check.the. k'LL.C!' box and enter its appropriate tax•classific.ation..
Data
New Iine3b has been added.to thisforrri..A flOvi-throtigh' entity is
regdfred 10 complete: thie line to Indicate that ithas"ditector Iridirect
foreign partners„ owners, or:beneficiar(es:When it provides the Farm W-9
to.another flow-through entity in. which it has an.ownership interest. This
change is intended to provide p:flow-through entity with Information
regarding the Statils'91 its indireOticireigrr partnere, owneret'or
beneficiaries; Sri that Roan Satisfy.any.apolicabidrepOrting
requirements. For example; a-Parthership thathaS:any Indirect foreign
partners maybe required lo complete Schedules k-2.and K.3. See the-
Partriersriip. instructions for Schedules K-2,angt k -a (Form 1065):
Purpose of Form
An
Aindividual or entity Oorm requeet'er) Who is requited
information retUmWitti the IRS iS giVing.youSthis form becaUsethey
Cat, No. 10231(
•Form 3-2024)
DTC Commercial Grant Program
Due Diligence Check
Applicant: MEC�SNI FsITENPR.ISES, Inst.
Contact: MECiI DUHaNxHsu
N
Stil
Property Address: 1401 &aLF To sA $LVD. GLEAa mocreit., FL. 33155
i
Contact Number: qr-1-154 -q0(3 Case Number:
Requirements:
1 Entered into Grant Log
2. Located in CRA Boundary
3. Met with the CRA Staff Prior to Applying
4. Property Owner or Business Owner
5. Owner's Affidavit Form/Lease Agreement
6. Property Tax/Business Fees Current
7. Code Violations
8. Digital photographs
9. Completed Application w/ Project Budget Form
10. Concept, Design, & Floor Plans
11. Quotes from Licensed Contractors
12. Scope of Work Eligible for Grant Award
Retroactive Total Amount
Future Total Amount
13. Evidence of Funding Sources
14. W9 (Sent Vendor Request to Kayla)
15. PO Number
16. CRA Trustee Meeting Date
17. Award Letter & Grant Agreement
18. Invoice from Applicant
Total Project Cost
Applicant's Match/Contribution
CRA Recommended Grant Amount
CRA Specialist Initial:
vs
CRA AD Approval Signat
Yesio
Yes o_
Yes .4o
Yes✓KVo PROP -T4 ®I?51NCCS Diaaea.
Yes_ No NA
Yes_✓I I�o_
Yes NoV. I t e4WILZi SC,
Yes/N.
es o_
Yes✓(V o
Comments:
Yes/No
YesVNo
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
11417 cex,'
CRA ED Approval Signature:
42 ' 5–o
Date: ( I 140S—
Date:
,4`QS—
Date: / (7/ X1'/2
Approval Comments:
E tire File Scanned in Sharepoint
cos
Yes No
Date:
COMMERCIAL GRANT
PROGRAM
APPLICATION FORM
City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency
Downtown 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 - REQUIREMENTS, 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
2
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
9
9
10
13
14
Commercial Grant Program & Application Form
Approved by the CRA Trustees on August 12, 2024.
1
1
COMMERCIAL GRANT PROGRAM
SECTION 1 — PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Downtown Commercial Grant Program (Program) offers varying levels of support and
addresses both short and long-term challenges that commercial stakeholders have experienced
in the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Area (DTCRA). This program aims to reduce blight
and activate, commercial spaces with uses that aspire to generate creative and innovative
gathering spaces, walkable pedestrian thoroughfares, and increased overall activity. This
Program can also help a business or developer "close the gap" in their financial ability to meet
the goals of the Community Redevelopment Area Plan (Community Redevelopment Agency
Incentives, pg. 133). The overarching goal is that Downtown Clearwater's businesses are
economically robust and thriving.
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 Clearwater Downtown Community Redevelopment
Area in accordance with the Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969. Sections 163.330,
et seq., Florida Statutes, by:
1. Downtown shall be a place that attracts residents, visitors, businesses, and their
employees and enable the development of community. The City shall encourage a
vibrant and active public realm, recreation and entertainment opportunities and support
the community and neighborhoods. (People Goals, page 46)
Objective 1E: Maintain Cleveland Street as Downtown's Main Street which is
valued for its historic character and pedestrian scale.
Objective 1D: Encourage a variety of office -intensive businesses, including
finance and insurance, IT/software, professional services and medical to relocate
and expand in Downtown to provide a stable employment center.
2. Downtown will be a memorable place to be enjoyed that is enhanced by Clearwater's
waterfront location, natural resources, built environment and history. (Amenity Goal,
page 47)
Objective 3G: Create and activate space to work as signature destination,
including civic plazas, markets and retail gathering places that promote economic
growth for Downtown. (page 48)
3. Downtown will be a dynamic built environment of dense and livable patterns and active
and attractive streets through quality urban design and architecture. (Urban Design
Goals, page 48)
Objective 4A: Encourage redevelopment that contains a variety of building
forms and style.
Objective 4D: Encourage renovation, restoration, and reuse of existing historic
structures to maintain the character of Downtown's neighborhoods.
2
4. Creating value for the Downtown 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;
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 (financial services, IT/software, medical, etc.).
This Program is to help Downtown Clearwater thrive as the urban core and heart of the City, as
the center of business and government, and as an attractive place to live, work, shop and play.
(Ch. 3, Vision, pg. 44)
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
Grants shall be awarded on a first -qualified, first -awarded basis while fiscal year funds are
available. The Program provides matching, as specified below in Levels 1 through 4, grant
funding to assist applicants with improvements to commercial properties. Grants may be
awarded to property owners and business owner/commercial tenants for exterior and interior
improvements to commercial property within the DTCRA. The grant is primarily a
reimbursement grant to the Applicant, 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. Below is the level of funding
and reimbursement percentage for the total eligible grant expenditures.
3
Level 1 — $25,000 and under (Requires a 25% match of funds)
• Administrative approval
• Award letter and Grant Agreement
Level 2 — $25,001 plus to $150,000 (Requires a 35% match of funds)
• Administrative approval up to $100,000
• Applicants must supply proof of a lease, or other acceptable documentation, that
identifies at least a minimum of a three-year term for tenant/business occupying or will
occupy the improved space.
• CRA Trustee Approval for Grants exceeding $100,000
• Award letter and Grant Agreement
Level 3 — $150,001 plus to $500,000 (Requires a 45% match of funds)
• Staff recommendation
• Applicants must supply proof of a lease, or other acceptable documentation, that
identifies at least a minimum of a five-year term for tenant/business occupying or will
occupy the improved space.
• CRA Trustee approval
• Award letter and Grant Agreement
Level 4 — Any grant funds request above $500,000 is considered a special project and
may require submittal requirements/documentation above and beyond what is described
in this Program.
• Staff recommendation
• CRA Trustee approval
• Applicants must supply proof of a lease(s), or other acceptable documentation, that
identifies at least a minimum of a five-year term for tenant/business occupying or will
occupy the improved space.
• Award letter, Grant Agreement, Mandatory Reporting.
• Other — Special Terms and Conditions
SECTION 4 — ELIGIBLE PROPERTY AND APPLICANT
To be eligible for the Program, the Applicant must meet all the following qualifications:
• Must be the property owner or commercial/business tenants.
• 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.
4
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. 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.
SECTION 5 — ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
The following improvements or related items maybe eligible for Program assistance:
Interior Improvements:
1) Any fixed interior leasehold improvements to commercial space;
2) Electrical/plumbing upgrades and utility connections;
3) Grease traps/interceptors;
4) Venting, HVAC, mechanical systems, and water heaters;
5) Sprinkler/fire suppression systems, firewalls, life safety improvements;
6) Certain fixed solid waste and recycling management systems;
7) American with Disabilities Act (ADA) systems;
8) Internal structural stabilization systems (e.g., repair and replacement of load bearing
walls, columns, beams/girders, joist, etc.);
9) Interior walls (including drywall), ceilings, floors, doors, and molding;
10) Interior paint;
11) Wall insulation;
12) Certain permanent bathroom and kitchen counter tops, cabinets, sinks;
13) Restaurant or other essential entertainment equipment up to a maximum of $5,000
(purchase or repair)
14) Interior historical restoration; or
15) Other permanent improvements may be submitted for consideration but must
demonstrate that the improvement meets the intent of this grant program.
Exterior Improvements:
1) Any fixed exterior leasehold improvements to commercial space;
2) The repair of exterior walls;
3) Roof repairs or replacement, including facia board, soffits, and gutters;
5
.y
4) Decorative fencing;*
5) Exterior painting; (including murals)
6) Exterior windows and/or doors;
7) Exterior signage;
8) Awnings or canopies over windows or walkways, including shutters, seating areas;
9) The installation, repair, or renovation of porches, patios, plazas;
10) The installation, repair, or renovation of pathways and sidewalks;**
11) The installation of decorative lighting, and security lighting;
12) Parking area and driveway improvements;
13) Stormwater drainage improvements for properties with a history of flooding;
14) Bicycle racks, shade areas, benches, or other pedestrian amenities;
15) Certain Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) improvements
approved by the Police Department;
16) ADA accessibility improvements;
17) The removal of deteriorated or undesirable exterior alterations;
18) Outdoor cafe furniture in public realm up to a maximum of $7,500.00 (only eligible
in Downtown Core)
19) The installation of landscaping and irrigation systems, not to exceed twenty percent
(20%) of the total grant amount; or
20) 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.
**Not city right-of-way or property
Other Eligible Items:
1) Predevelopment Cost (architecture, engineering fees, other as approved by CRA
Director) up to $10,000.
2) Past site or building improvements that were completed up to 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.
The following are ineligible for assistance:
1) Past site or building improvements that were completed more than 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) Properties that do not have an eligible business tenant(s) that is/are or will open
for business once the building/site improvements are complete.
3) Second floor and above renovations unless part of or tied to a ground floor
business and verifiable proof is provided that second floor, or above floors,
improvements will enhance a ground floor business.
4) Assistance to businesses located in residential homes.
5) Repairs to unsafe or substandard structures that cannot be made safe for tenant
occupancy with Program funds.
6
6) Repairs covered by insurance.
7) Non -permanent improvements, except for items expressly stated as allowed in this
Program.
8) Installation of window or door security bars.
9) Any fixed exterior or interior leasehold prohibited improvements to commercial space.
10) Refinancing existing debts, business operational cost, payroll, etc.
11) Mobile Vendors.
12) Not-for-profit entities and tax-exempt 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) 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 727-562-4098. Applications will be received
on an ongoing basis.
3) A copy of a fully executed lease agreement, 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.
4) Applicants must submit, as part of the application, concept plans, design plans and
floorplan accurately delineating the square footage of the improvement area within the
commercial structure.
5) Digital photographs of the existing structure, interior and exterior, must be provided with
application.
6) An estimated itemized/detailed budget must be provided on the budget form in the
application or on a separate attachment if additional space is needed.
7) 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.
8) Portions of the project costs not funded by the requested grant must be provided by
Applicant funding. Applicant funding may consist of bank loans, lines of credit, other
grants, and owned assets (Equity), etc.
9) Applicant must demonstrate their source of the Applicant Funding and their ability to
meet the financial obligations of the Program.
10) Proceeds from other City -managed financial assistance programs may be used as
Applicant Equity to satisfy the Applicant 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 Equity to satisfy the Applicant Funding requirements of other
City -managed financial assistance programs.
7
11) 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.
12) 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.
13) 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.
14) All construction/design contracts will be between the Applicant and the contractor or
design professional.
15) Applicants may combine adjacent parcels, buildings and/or individual storefronts within a
building to create one grant request.
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:
1) 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.
2) 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).
3) 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.
4) The CRA disburses funds to grant recipients within 30 days of fully completed
reimbursement request.
8
SECTION 8 — GRANT EXPIRATION
Applicants must receive a "Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Competition" within 365
calendar days from the date of the executed grant agreement. 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.
9
Case Number:
SECTION 11 — APPLICATION
COMMERCIAL GRANT PROGRAM
Please circle if you are the: Property Owner Business Owner
1) Applicant:
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):
Lease Term (if applicable):
If applicant is not the property owner, please fill out section 2
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):
Property is designated as a Local Landmark:
Yes ❑
No El
4) Project description (including business name, tenant description, type of business,
proposed hours of operation, proposed opening date or proposed project
completion date), scope of work to be performed, project schedule, 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.
10
5) Describe existing uses and conditions on the property (include photographs as
attachments):
6) Financial Disclosure
Amount of Grant Requested:
$
Project Budget 7 Sources/Uses of Funds (complete Attachment A: Project Budget)
Owner Equity:
$,,
Other Funds:
$
GrantRequest:
$
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.
11
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:
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 [ r -] is
personally known to me or [- .j 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 727-562-4098.
12
SECTION 12 — ELIGIBLE CRA AREA MAP
DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
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Downtown Clearwater CRA Boundary
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Reviewed By: ES
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Date: 10/2012023
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13
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.
PP
,
For staff use only
Itemine
(Including construImprovement(c) Itetion m Description
materials, labor,
Permitting, other -fees, etc.) . ._;�
'
Cost Amounts)
unt.
Line
Gran tem Eligible for
Grant Consideration
Yes/No - ",
Cost Amount
Eligible for
Grant (%) ..
1
$
$
2
$
$
3
$
$
4
$
$
5
$
$
6
$
$
7
$
$
8
$
$
9
$
$
10
$
1
$
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:
14