Community Development
NOTO Redevelopment Incentive Grant
The NOTO Redevelopment Incentive Grant is a program funded by the City of Topeka and managed by the NOTO organization. The Program serves the following purposes:
Encourage private investment in improvements to commercial and residential real estate.
Encourage renovation and reconstruction of existing buildings.
Encourage redevelopment of unimproved property.
Encourage new and existing businesses and residential living units.
Increase the safety and attractiveness of the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District.
City of Topeka Resolution 9470
Grant Review Committee
The NOTO Redevelopment Grant Review Committee shall have the responsibility to review grant applications and issue awards. The Committee shall consist of five members:
two members of the NOTO BID Committee (NOTO business owners)
two members of the NOTO Board of Directors who are not from the NOTO District
one NOTO organization staff member.
Members include
Dave Horn
Donaldson’s Jewelers
dave@donaldsonstopeka.com
Monette Mark
Fire Me Up Ceramics
info@firemeupceramics.com
Kathy Pflaum
Plumm Fibers Design Studio
kplum25@gmail.com
Zac Pohlenz
Clayton Wealth Partners
zac@claytonwealthpartners.com
Pedro Concepcion
NOTO CEO
pedro.concepcion@notoartsdistrict.org
Eligibility
The grant is open to any person in good standing who owns or leases a parcel of real property located within the geographic area generally considered within the NOTO Business Improvement District (BID) is eligible. This geographic area includes:
North – Morse
South – Norris
East – Quincy
West – Jackson
To be in good standing means that the applicant must not be in arrears with any debt owed to government and/or regulatory entities. This includes current or past-due obligations of the NOTO Business Improvement District. A current Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance must be provided.
Applications from tenants will be considered with a Letter of Release provided by the building owner.
Grants may be awarded for any improvements to a parcel of real estate as part of a redevelopment plan or project. Such a project may include permanent or semi-permanent building improvements to the interior or exterior of a building to improve the safety, appearance, and functionality of the building. Priority is given to projects that lend to safety, followed by beautification and visitor attraction. As such, projects that address building structure, are exterior and visible to the public, and will enhance the district as a draw for visitors are generally favored. Equipment and HVAC systems are generally not approved. Project requests cannot be retroactive.
Members of the NOTO board, staff, and Grant Review Committee are eligible for grant funding. Full disclosure of any such relationship as well as other potential conflicts shall be disclosed by applicants. Should any director, officer or members of NOTO, its board, or committees make an application for grant funds, such person shall not take part in any discussions with other employees, board members, or other members of the Committee regarding the application and shall abstain from voting on any such application.
Grant Periods
Grants are bi-annual with applications due on January 15 and July 15 at midnight. Awards will be announced on or about March 1 and September 1. Projects must be completed and funds dispersed within one year of the award. Time extension may be issued for extenuating circumstances.
Application Submission
In addition to a current Certificate of Tax Clearance, all applications must include bids or detailed cost estimates. Applications may be submitted via email (preferred) or by mail/in-person. All applications must be received no later than the stated due dates/times. Applications mailed prior to the due date but not received per the standards shall not be considered. Applications submitted by mail or in-person must be in a sealed envelope. All applications will be documented with received date and time.
Attachments must be clearly identified by the naming convention identified on the application form. Failure to provide sufficient materials or to follow the naming convention is cause for denial.
Email
info@notoartsdistrict.org
Hard copy
NOTO Arts Center
935 N. Kansas Ave
Topeka, KS 66608
Review
The five members of the Review Committee shall independently review each application using a rubric:
Safety - Max Points 30
Contributes to enhancement of district as a safe and secure place.
Beautification - Max Points 25
Improvements that lend to overall aesthetics of the district.
Visitor Attraction - Max Points 25
Extent that project will contribute to NOTO as a destination area.
Project Information - Max Points 10
Extent in which application provided full and complete information regarding the project.
District Support - Max Points 10
Extent in which applicant has financially supported the district (e.g. BID, Friends of NOTO, sponsorships, etc)
The Review Committee shall meet to review all applications to determine awards based on overall assessment scores and the availability of funds. Other variables may also be considered and given preference, such as building structure versus internal remodel, and areas visible to public versus those generally hidden. The Committee may also consider whether the business has received a prior award but the project was not completed in a manner promised or it is still incomplete. Clear and detailed proposals with supporting documentation, such as formal bids, are given preference. For example, a project statement of “renovation with new lighting and interior finishes” is vague. The proposal should specify the number of lights, the price of lights as per a formal bid or, if the owner plans to do the work themselves, a specific cost based on a price from a retail store. Demonstration of frugality, such as purchasing items from a Restore, is appreciated.
Individuals on the Review Committee who have an application and/or have a familial relationship with an applicant shall not complete an assessment for that application nor shall they engage in any dialogue regarding its merits and will abstain from voting on that application.
Fund Distribution
Grants funds are reimbursable payments for a portion of approved expenses. Grantees must provide receipts and photos of the finished project per established standards. Reimbursement is conditional on continuous good standing, including NOTO BID assessment.
Application
Complete the application as completely as possible and submit along with attachments.