By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
May 13, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — A new program can help some Northeast storefronts improve their image.

The Independence Avenue Community Improvement District will oversee the Storefront Improvement Rebate [SIR] program. The program, and subsequently its goal, will support local businesses through funding for repairs and improvements to building exteriors.

At the most recent Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce luncheon, members learned the specifics of the program. The program is open only to properties, commercial or residential, within the boundaries of the Independence Avenue CID. Boundaries of the full CID include both sides of Independence Avenue between The Paseo on the west and Newton Avenue on the east. Chamber president Bobbi Baker-Hughes pointed out roughly 25,000 cars travel along Independence Avenue and Boulevard every day. These changes could help facilitate the change in perception needed to bring more people into the Northeast.

If all the program requirements are met, the CID will reimburse the applicant up to 50 percent of approved costs, not to exceed $5,000. Baker-Hughes said the CID allocated $50,000 for reimbursement. She explained this rebate is unlike any previously used by the CID, which were primarily city rebates. This rebate come from funds generated within the CID, allowing them to offer help to properties on the Avenue.

“As we move forward, we’ll see the city become more engaged in what we’re trying to get accomplished here,” Baker-Hughes said.

Other eligibility requirements include: applications must be approved prior to renovations work, projects must meet all applicable city code requirements, and projects must be completed within 180 days of the application approval unless an extension is given.

If approved, the rebate can be applied to removing or replacing siding or facades, patching concrete, repairing handrails, tuck pointing brick, repairing windows, painting or cleaning, and improving the street scape. The rebate cannot be applied to interior work, electrical improvements, property acquisition and repairs to the building’s roof or HVAC.

Baker-Hughes also discussed how these improvements will help crime prevention through environmental design. She, with the help of Master Patrol Officer James Schriever, explained that instead of the institutional design of tall wrought-iron fences, a rose bush and positive imagery can serve the same purpose. Psychologically, the better looking facades can help change the perception when drivers pass through the area.

Coupled with the announcement of the rebate program, special guest speaker Paul Helmer, decorative artist and architectural designer with Touch of Distinction Color and Design, helped better explain home and business makeovers and the positive outlook they could have on the neighborhood.

“It all revolves around curb appeal,” Helmer said. “People want to see a sense of community.”