Council Examines Ways to Further Help Businesses
At a Tuesday October 27, 2020 study session, the Danville Town Council worked with staff on ways for the town to expand on assistance being provided to Danville businesses struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on the discussion, staff has been directed to begin work on a new grant program that would make $250,000 available for town businesses. The grant would run concurrently with the program started in the spring. Under the proposed program, the Town would fund grants for local businesses that would focus on four primary areas:
- Enhancing online presence and ability to sell online
- Advertising on multiple platforms
- Signage and improvements to draw in additional customers
- Capital expenditures such as tents and heaters for use in the winter months
Town staff was directed to develop program recommendations to be considered further and acted upon by the Town Council, at their November 4, 2020 meeting. This will include recommendations on eligibility, grant categories, and funding limits.
The council also discussed recent concerns expressed around the closure of Hartz Avenue on the weekend between Diablo Road and Prospect Avenue. Due to ongoing public safety issues, and concerns expressed by other business owners along Hartz Avenue, council directed staff to discontinue the weekend closure.