Resources
for Local Businesses
Business Area Plans have
been established for several commercial districts. In each plan, business owners define
area goals and outline policies and programs for achieving those goals. Plans have been
approved and implemented for Downtown, Lighthouse Avenue, Cannery Row, East Del Monte
Avenue, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the North Fremont business area.
Tools including Business Improvement
Districts (BID) and Maintenance Districts, which property
owners fund to improve their business areas, are established as a result
of Area Plans. A BID has been established for Lighthouse Avenue and North
Fremont Street and a Maintenance District exists on Alvarado Street.
The historic preservation grant
program supports preservations and City beautification goals. The historic
preservation grants have helped property owners perform corrective maintenance so historic
building materials are not lost.
A tax-saving
program for historic buildings, provided by the Mills Act, can reduce
property taxes for owners of locally designated "H" (historic) buildings. The
tax savings can be substantial for property owners, particularly if the building was
purchased recently. A Mills Act Contract under State law is an agreement between the City
of Monterey and property owner of a City designated historical building. The property
owner benefits from a reduction in property taxes, and the City is ensured that the
historic building is preserved.
A design awards program was
recently re-established to recognize new construction projects within Monterey that
embrace the setting and character of the surrounding neighborhood.
Administered by the Architectural Review Committee, this program grants awards for new
development that is both outstanding and harmonious. The program was developed to
encourage designers and owners to meet# the City’s design objectives as they work
within architectural guidelines and review procedures. Nominate a project by submitting it
to the City’s Planning Division and explaining why you believe it is exceptional.
For more info call 831.646.3885.
The business community also
provides resources to business owners. The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce along
with the individual business associations of Monterey assist individual owners with
specific needs. Click here for contact info.
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