Downtown Revitalization Program
Two application cycles for new set of downtown projects
The City of Crete was one of five Nebraska communities awarded Downtown Revitalization (DTR) funds from Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED) in 2020. The award of $445,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds builds on recent efforts to revitalize local buildings and spark commerce, enhance appeal, and promote vibrancy within Crete’s Downtown Historic District.
(See the list of program documents at the end of this article.)
This second round of DTR funding awarded to Crete includes updated program guidelines and applications. Owners will now apply for City Council approval of eligible rehabilitation projects with an approved contractor of their own choosing. Businesses will negotiate directly with contractors to complete an approved project within a 12-month window and submit requests for reimbursement to the City.
CDBG DTR funds and local funds will be used to reimburse 80% of total eligible project costs up to a total of $50,000. Owners will be responsible for the remaining project costs. Businesses are encouraged to reach out to local lenders or Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) for information about business loans.
The program goals are to eliminate blight conditions by enhancing the aesthetic and historical qualities of the Downtown Historic District; to improve the economic potential of individual buildings and structures and of the district as a whole, to strengthen property values, to improve access to first floor and upper floor development, and to attract new businesses, investments and residents to locate within the Downtown Historic District.
Priority will be given to improvements that restore building or structure facades in compliance with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) requirements, and projects that conform with the City’s Design Standards and revitalization priorities and goals. Examples of eligible activities include replacement of signage, awnings, windows, doors, repairs to exterior surfaces, masonry, or restoration of exterior design features. Improvements may also address documented municipal code violations. Qualified preliminary engineering or architecture costs may be eligible for reimbursement.
The first of two application cycles opened on Wednesday March 3, 2021 and closed Tuesday, April 20, 2021.
A second application cycle opened on Monday, July 5, 2021 and closed Friday, September 24, 2021.
Participation in this program requires a tiered environmental review process. For additional information please see the Environmental Review Record (ERR) and the Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds (NOI-RROF) and NOI-RROF en español.
Program documents and information:
- Program guidelines and application
- Environmental Review Record
- Business owner scope of duties
- Contractor scope of duties
- Business loan program - SENDD
- DTR Frequently Asked Questions
The City of Crete is committed to complying with federal requirements in providing free meaningful access to its programs and activities for all persons. City Staff will provide interpretation services related to this program at no cost to the individual. For additional questions or to request additional information about the program, please contact:
Tom Ourada, City Administrator
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.4312
tom.ourada@crete.ne.gov
Visit the Community and Economic Development Office main page