Category — Resources

March 2, 2010

Dear Grant Applicant:

Oak Park’s Village Board has approved a CPRPP grant budget for 2010.

This letter is for those interested in 2010 grants for first floor commercial building exterior improvements. The Commercial Property Rehabilitation & Preservation Program (CPRPP) is administered by OPDC for the Village of Oak Park.

We will begin accepting applications April 5. Since grant funds are limited, and in order to give all applicants an equal opportunity for the funds, we are unable to accept applications prior to that date.

Grant Applications and Program Guidelines are available for download at www.opdc.net. Click on “financial assistance programs.”

Complete applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Incomplete applications are not eligible for review and will not be accepted until complete. A complete app includes all of the items on the second page of the application listed under “Required for Grant Consideration,” including two LIKE bids for each type of exterior work being considered and design drawings, plans, catalog cuts and/or elevation drawings. Like bids respond to the same set of written specifications you provide to your (sub) contractors, and include substantive details such as sizes, quantities, and materials. An applicant’s review date is determined by the time/date that we have a complete application with all attachments.

Work may not be begun or contracted until you receive a written commitment from the grant review committee. The grant program requires that the low bid prevails. All projects must be begun within 30 days of our commitment to you and must be completed in 2010. Please refer to Program Guidelines for eligible and ineligible expenses. Typical grant eligible expenses include building façade improvement, glass storefront replacement, awnings, signs, exterior building lighting and on glass signage. Ineligible expenses include maintenance or repair, landscaping, patio expenses, parking lot work, and roofing.

If you are aware of other Oak Park businesses needing assistance kindly direct them to me or to our website. I would be happy to answer any questions and I look forward to partnering with you on your project in 2010!

Sincerely,

Michelle J. Uhler