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PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Painesville City Council has established a new grant program designed to spur commercial redevelopment and attract businesses by offering grants for building renovations and other property improvements.
Council approved the Painesville Commercial Retention and Redevelopment Grant Program as emergency legislation Monday, allowing the city to begin processing its first two grant applications without delay.
The program authorizes grants of up to $25,000 for eligible businesses undertaking building construction, rehabilitation, renovations, site improvements, and other capital projects. The city appropriated $100,000 for the program in its 2026 Economic Development Business Assistance Fund.
Economic Development Director Susan Crotty said the legislation formalizes a grant process for projects that do not require separate development agreements with the city.
“This process that we’re outlining is similar to the city’s process that was used for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for facade and interior improvements of downtown businesses,” Crotty told council.
Grants of up to $25,000 must be approved by the City Council’s Economic Development Committee and will be awarded only while funding remains available.
Crotty said the city already has two grant applications totaling $50,000 that were reviewed and approved by the committee.
One application is from Sidewalk Cafe Inc., which purchased 1-7 S. State St. The company plans to renovate the downtown building and lease retail and office space.
The second is from Twin Legacy Investments, which purchased 154 Main St. Crotty said the long-vacant building has required additional work after the owners discovered more extensive deterioration during renovations. Plans call for improvements to first-floor commercial space and construction of apartments on the second and third floors.
During a June 15 Economic Development Committee meeting, members unanimously recommended awarding the maximum $25,000 grant to each project, for a total of $50,000.
According to the legislation, the program is intended to encourage private investment, expand the city’s tax base, create and retain jobs, and support redevelopment goals outlined in Painesville’s comprehensive plan and downtown master plan.
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