By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Deadlines for several facade improvement projects are just around the corner. At Wednesday's meeting, the Barton County Commission granted extensions on two of the improvements and granted additional funds for construction on a project in Hoisington.
"The rule of thumb we've kind of set out, just so everybody knows, if somebody is wanting an extension, for the most part, they need to come in," said Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson. "We'll make an exception if they can't be here for some reason, or if they need more money, they need to come in. If they come in under budget or on budget, they don't have to come back. We'll use the before and after pictures and put it on our Facebook page or website that shows the progress."
The county's Facade Improvement Grant provides financial assistance to businesses and property owners for facade improvements to downtown areas to create a visual impact and increase economic prosperity. Prior to the original deadline of Dec. 31, 2021, businesses could be provided up to 75 percent of eligible project costs with a cap of $20,000.
Loretta Miller with The Gallery, located on Forest Avenue in Great Bend, asked for an extension to June 30, 2023. Contractors have completed some work around her two properties, but she ran into delays due to the replacement of a plate glass window.
"It will be different than what we originally planned because I thought we could keep the big plate glass windows, but we can't because when you do work like that, you have to put in something different because they're old," she said. "They're not considered safe."
Miller said the new windows will give the business a cottage look. Improvements at The Gallery will also include new paint, new awnings, and an unused door that has been bricked over. Miller expects the final bit of construction work to begin in November. Miller was allocated a total of $23,370.33 for the two properties in Sept. 2021.
The commission also approved an extension to June 30, 2023, on B&H Development's properties located at 2015 and 2017 Lakin in Great Bend. Barton County Director of Operations Matt Patzner spoke on behalf of delays regarding historic stained-glass windows in the properties. B&H was allocated $20,000 in Sept. 2021.
Patzner also shared details on improvements to Twisted Fusion at 167 S. Main Street in Hoisington. After contractor issues, that property finished its improvements but exceeded the budget by $539. The commission agreed to award additional funds in the amount of $404 per the original agreement to push the total allocation to $19,566.