HEARST—As part of the Town of Hearst Community Improvement Plan, city council is providing financial incentives for property owners in the downtown core and the commercial corridor along Highway 11/Front Street.
Chief building official, Kory Hautcoeur, spoke about having received a fourth application for this incentive. “I have received a fourth application today, which most likely will allow us to reach our maximum allowance set in our budget,” said Hautcoeur.
Council has set this year’s budget at $75,000 which is meant to encourage renovations and improvement to local businesses in that area.
He spoke about the key types of improvement projects to qualify for this funding. “Primarily funds are used to make façade improvements, which is an incentive to improve and make their property more attractive to tourists, travelers and residents,” stated Hautcoeur. “Other renovations monies are used for items such as new signage, or replacement of existing signage.”
The town is aware that businesses know about the CIP, which was originally designed and implemented in 2012 and ran until 2016. Following that, it was put on hold as not many businesses were applying for this funding.
Council also offers municipal rebates for fees such as; building fees and any other municipal fees related to a CIP project.
Hautcoeur indicated that the program relaunched in 2019, but that this may be the last year that this program will run. “Council agreed to offer this funding until this year, which will represent the 100th anniversary of the Town of Hearst,” he said.
To date, the types of businesses who have applied for this funding include a heavy industrial workshop, and two hotels in that area.
The CIP project works on a first come first served basis. Chief building official Kory Hautcoeur was most proud of the outcome of this project. “Compared to what the municipality is giving out as an incentive, there is a turnout of approximately $250,000 invested in our community each year.”
For interested applicants, funds are still available, but as mentioned, the Town of Hearst is almost at its maximum budgeted amount for this incentive.
