23.365 An Order to Appropriate $20,000 from RRA 2328 to Businesses Participating in Vacant Storefront ProgramCity of Northampton
Massachusetts
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In City Council August 17, 2023
Upon recommendation of Mayor Sciarra
23.365 An Order to Appropriate $20,000 from RRA 2328 to Businesses Participating in Vacant Storefront Program
Whereas, pursuant to the Acts of 2008 Chapter 144, the City of Northampton was authorized to convert five (5) seasonal licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on
the premises to annual licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises; and
Whereas, the provisions called for the creation of an economic development account for the deposit of any fee charged for the conversion of said license that was greater than the amount
of the fee charged for a similar license; and
Whereas, the provisions called for the deposited funds to be expended by the city in a manner consistent with economic development; and
Whereas, Section 5 of Chapter 228 of the Acts of 2018 amended the Economic Development Incentive Program (“EDIP”) to permit the use of EDIP tax credits to encourage new occupancy of
vacant downtown storefronts and authorized the Economic Assistance Advisory Council (“EACC”) to issue regulations or guidelines implementing the new program; and
Whereas, the EACC has issued guidelines for implementation of the Vacant Storefront Program; and
Whereas, pursuant to the guidelines, the Northampton Downtown Business District has been designated by the EACC as a Vacant Storefront District; and
Whereas, the EACC received and approved applications from two Northampton businesses qualified to receive EDIP tax credits and matching municipal support; and
Whereas, the city has entered into contracts with the two eligible businesses to grant each $10,000 under certain conditions including that they shall occupy the storefront and operate
the business on the premises for three (3) years commencing on the date of the disbursement of the Grant.
Now, therefore, be it ordered,
That the City Council appropriates $20,000 from Receipts Reserved Account 2328 for the two businesses participating in the Vacant Storefront Program.