COLUMBUS, Ohio--The city of Columbus is stepping up its efforts to attract new Downtown retail business, but NBC 4 has learned the incentives being offered are not new and are not limited to Downtown properties.
As workers continue to tear down the old City Center Mall, civic leaders are expanding an incentive program previously unavailable to Downtown businesses.
The Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program provides grant funding to property owners and business owners for improving their retail space and the fronts of stores.
Since 2000, the city of Columbus has awarded $3.8 million in Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization loans and grants throughout Columbus neighborhoods. The city typically offers matching grant funding ranging between $3,000 and $5,000.
"It's no secret that retail is struggling right now," said Kacey Campbell, promotions coordinator for the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. "As you can see, our inner-city mall didn't make it. But it certainly is not a sign of the retail demand or retail health in Downtown ... There are people down here that have money to spend, but no place to do it."
Campbell is poised to become a full-time retail recruiter - a job funded by the city of Columbus to connect prospective retailers and leasing agents.
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