The Rockdale Municipal Development District (RMDD) Board of Directors recently expanded its popular façade improvement grant program by allowing other projects that will help Rockdale grow. “We can now reimburse cleaning up property and preparing it for development,” explained RMDD Board President, Nathan Bland. “Our new programs will also help with structural improvements and demolition projects. The goal here is to help make Rockdale a more attractive place where businesses can be successful.”
The expanded program will now reimburse up to $25,000 for any environmental clean-up and remediation. “Sometimes properties will have old gas tanks in the ground which presents a risk for investors,” said RMDD Economic Development Director Jim Gibson. Other environmental problems which may prohibit development are leadbased paint, asbestos, old tires left behind or other hazardous materials. “The RMDD will reimburse the cost of environmental clean-up after a new building is constructed.”
Many commercial buildings in Rockdale are old and dilapidated and simply need to be demolished so that something new can go on a lot. “The RMDD will also reimburse up to $15,000 for demolition costs once a new building replaces an old one,” Bland continued. The RMDD will also reimburse up to $5,000 in legal expenses to cure property title issues.
Finally, the RMDD will consider applications for interior and structural building improvements. “We recognize that many of Rockdale’s buildings are very old – some may not be in compliance with modern building codes or there may be structural issues that need to be resolved,” Gibson explained. “The RMDD will also reimburse up to $15,000 so these charming, old buildings can have a business in them once again.”
The existing façade improvement grant remains in the RMDD’s redevelopment program portfolio.
The goal of this program is for Rockdale to have a strong, locally grown economy which creates an attractive, positive impression. And, to reduce investment risk so that commercial properties are reactivated to their highest potential which will create jobs and generate tax revenue for the City of Rockdale.
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