Hillsboro OKs grant requests

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Hillsboro City Council members started Tuesday’s meeting with their minds on grants to help downtown buildings.

The council conducted a public hearing for a proposed $250,000 Community Development Block Grant for 126 N. Main St. — the Olde Towne building now owned by JDriggers Investments — and approved an interlocal agreement with owners of the property.

The grant would help with renovation of the building as an event venue and upstairs apartments.

Crystal Hinnen, Ranson Financial, said the full cost of renovation would be more than $500,000.

Hinnen said a great deal of work was needed to prevent further deterioration.

Windows, floors, leaks, doors, and ceilings will need work, she said.

The main level is to become rental space for events and entertainment. The upper level will be renovated into apartments.

In June, the project received a Historic Economic Asset Lifeline grant of $74,999.

Hinnen also brought council members information on a Department of Commerce Strategic Economic Expansion and Development grant that could provide $25,000 for Dale’s Supermarket flooring.

In other business, council members approved depositing $1.5 million of idle cash in Kansas Municipal Investment Pool.