OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

CITY HALL

375 MERRIMACK STREET

LOWELL, MA  01852

TELE: (978) 970-4000  FAX: (978) 970-4007

Bernard F. Lynch

City Manager

TO:                  Mayor Edward “Bud” Caulfield

                                    And

                        Members of the Lowell City Council

FROM:            Bernard F. Lynch, City Manager

DATE:             June 6, 2008

SUBJECT:        COUNCIL MOTION OF May 27, 2008 BY ALAN KAZANJIAN

                        REQUEST THE MANAGER REPORT ON THE STATUS OF

                        FLIP GRANT APPLICATIONS/INTEREST/PROCESS

In regards to the above-mentioned motion, the staff of the DPD has prepared the following report for your review.  The JAM Plan Façade and Lot Improvement Program (JAM FLIP) was created in order to further the implementation of the Jackson/Appleton/Middlesex Urban Renewal Plan and improve the physical appearance of businesses and properties located in the JAM Plan area.  JAM FLIP provides financial assistance in the form of a matching grant for qualifying building and lot improvement projects. 

Application Process

Administered through the Division of Planning and Development, JAM FLIP requires applicants to submit a full application packet displaying how their project meets the criteria outlined in the JAM FLIP (copy attached).  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and must include:

• Applicant information – name, address, contacts, etc.
• Explanation of compliance with program – i.e. eliminates significant blighting influence
• Overview of existing conditions – address, site plan, description of property, etc.
• Details of proposed improvements – work plans, timeline, budget, etc.
• Additional information as requested or needed

A JAM FLIP Committee has been established to review all applications for the program, and is comprised of city staff and an individual, who is not eligible for the program, appointed by the JAMBRA neighborhood group.  Upon the submission of a completed application to the Division of Planning and Development, the JAM FLIP Committee will provide a determination of acceptance to the program within 21 days.  All proposed improvements must be completed within 6 months of the approval of an application to the program.  The program is subject to funding availability.

Interest & Applications

The Division of Planning and Development (DPD) has received significant interest in JAM FLIP from several property owners in the JAM Neighborhood.  Though no formal applications have been submitted to DPD, several property owners have requested information on the program and are expected to submit completed applications in the coming weeks.  DPD anticipates the initial funding allocated to the program to support most of the anticipated applications during the first year of the program.  Interested property owners are encouraged to contact James Errickson, Urban Renewal Project Manager at DPD to begin the process, or to visit the Division of Planning and Development’s website for a copy of the program details for the JAM FLIP.

Please contact me with any questions regarding this program. Thank you.

cc:        James Errickson, Urban Renewal Project Manager