Clear Lake council approves first two applications to downtown incubator program

CLEAR LAKE — The Clear Lake City Council last night approved the first two applications to a new downtown business incubator program.

The council back in April approved the program, which provides a rent subsidy for an 18-month period. Months one through six would be a 50% rent subsidy not to exceed $830; months seven through 12 would be a 33% subsidy not to exceed $560 a month; and then for months 13 through 18 it would be a 17% subsidy not to exceed $275 a month. Another incentive would be a forgivable grant for business facade and signage improvements on a 50-50 basis not to exceed $2500.

Chamber of Commerce president Stacy Doughan thanked the council for approving the program and the first two applicants.  “ I just want to thank you guys for your commitment to keeping our Main Avenue full. We all know having a bustling retail region in Clear Lake  is something that’s special and we have businesses just clamoring to be down there, so I just want to thank you for your commitment to that. I think it’s really exciting that within just a few weeks of passing this we’ve had a couple of applications and some additional interest as well.”

The council last night approved the application for Skip’s Kicks at 308 Main Avenue, which is a specialty shoe store, and Chris’ Kettle Corn at 407 Main Avenue, which features specialty popcorn and other treats.  

 

=== The council last night also approved without any further discussion the second reading of an ordinance that would ban people from marking their spot ahead of time for the annual 4th of July parade as well as other special events.

For years the topic has been a sore one for some property owners along Main Avenue who find chairs, tarps and other items days or weeks ahead of time, saving an area for the annual parade. The ordinance would prohibit people from doing so until 5:00 AM on the morning of the parade.

One of the biggest issues this year will also be the laying of new sod on Main Avenue between 14th and 20th as part of the street and sidewalk project being completed, with city leaders wanting to make sure the sod is firmly established in the days leading up to the parade.

The third and final reading of the ordinance will take place at the council’s next meeting on June 7th.