Improving impressions From the cover
About the program
Xxxxxxxxxxxx The inspiration
What’s being done
Linabury said the Proud Property Award Program was inspired by EMCID’s Facade Improvement Grant Program, which launched last fall. EMCID Chief Operating Officer Kelley Mattlage—who previously served as vice president and chief communications officer— said the grant program provides funding to commercial property owners located within the district’s boundaries for qualified exterior building and site improvements. “You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and that’s what we want,” Mattlage said. “It’s amazing what just a fresh coat of paint can do for the front of a business to make it more appealing.” As of late November, Mattlage said EMCID had received four applications for the grant program and awarded two to DECA Beer Company and J&R’s Ace Hardware. Mattlage said the program is funded through sales tax generated within EMCID’s boundaries, noting the district’s sales tax rate ranges from $0.005 to $0.015, depending on the area. So far, EMCID has doled out just over $6,196 for the grant program, she said. “The funds are an investment in your business, just like marketing or advertising,” Mattlage said. “A storefront is a very visual tool to draw in customers. Grant funds from the program is free money a business can use to enhance their project or add on something.”
In March, Montgomery County commissioners adopted the first overhaul of its development regulations in nearly 40 years. Gray said the county’s rapid growth, particularly in Precinct 4, is part of what motivated him to prioritize updating the regulations. “We’ve had more transformer hookups on the Entergy grid in the last five years—more than the state of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas combined—right here in Precinct 4,” Gray said. “So that’s why it was so paramount to get these development regulations updated.” Among the changes made, Gray highlighted that the updated development regulations established minimum width for lot sizes and certain types of roads, and built in a minimum threshold for curb-and-gutter neighborhoods. “Those have a pretty big impact [because] … you had lot sizes smaller than that, that were open ditch and asphalt and they’re impossible to maintain,” Gray said. “And it becomes a burden for the taxpayer because we’re spending money trying to fix a problem that we shouldn’t have had in the first place.” The court likewise updated the county’s drainage criteria manual in August. Gray noted one of the most important amendments to this document was including the language that states “no adverse impact” is permitted. The changes also included updates to required detention and technical updates on what triggers a drainage review. “Ultimately, this is trying to protect my kids and future taxpayers and the county to where we do it right the first time because there’s no do-overs when you’re developing out; you’ve got to get it right the first time,” Gray said.
Proud Property Award Program Buildings must be at least 2 years old, well- maintained and free from visible damage. Evaluation criteria includes:
Exterior paint should not be faded, flaking or peeling.
Grounds must be well maintained, neatly trimmed and free of debris.
Signs should be clean, intact and unfaded.
Parking areas are paved, clearly striped and free of debris.
Nominations can be made online at www.gemcchamber.com.
SOURCE: GREATER EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAMBER/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
In November, the GEMCC launched the Proud Property Award Program, which recognizes East Montgomery County properties that demonstrate outstanding maintenance and visual appeal. Chamber President and CEO Mark Linabury said the program aims to encourage property owners to maintain and improve upon existing buildings as new development continues. “[Some business owners think] ‘My business is doing well, I don’t care if my sign is faded and broken because I’m successful,’” Linabury said. “Well, it makes a difference and we want to encourage people to look at it … from an outsid- er’s [perspective]. What is the first impression? What is the lasting impression?” Amy Vollert, owner of Salons at the Loft, was honored with the first Proud Property Award on Nov. 21. Vollert said the business opened in 2009 and is a “one-stop shop” for beauty services. “As someone who takes pride in the building, getting the recognition really makes a difference,” Vollert said. “I think the more recognitions and the more awards … people will see that and maybe they’ll step up and take care of their properties.” Linabury said community members are invited to participate in the program by submitting nom- inations year-round. A selection committee of chamber representatives will review submissions and present awards on a quarterly basis. Linabury added that award recipients do not need to be chamber members.
Facade Improvement Grant Program Applications must be received and approved in writing before facade construction begins. Eligible expenses include those solely related to exterior building and site improvements. Approved applicants are eligible for a:
50% reimbursement on eligible expenses up to $10,000
Development permits filed in Precinct 4
6K
4K
30% reimbursement on additional eligible expenses for a maximum grant amount of $10,000
+46.7%
2K
0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025*
Applications can be submitted online at www.emctx.com/doing-business/facade.
*PROJECTED
SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRECINCT 4, MONTGOMERY COUNTY ENGINEERING/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
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