The committee reviewed two downtown redevelopment applications in the Flint neighborhood — 1270 Pleasant Street and 1616 Pleasant Street — that seek CPC funds for projects combining historic preservation and housing.

Both applicants requested $300,000 each and described projects that would add residential units and restore storefronts in the Flint. Committee members praised the projects’ potential to revive storefront activity and add market‑rate and affordable units, but repeatedly told staff they wanted concrete evidence of outside financing before a grant award.

“Proof of funding is paramount before any grant award,” a committee member said, noting that several past awards proceeded without bank commitment letters and that the committee should not rely on applicants’ verbal assurances. Members proposed conditioning any award on submitted bank commitment letters, construction‑loan documentation, or verifiable owner equity.

Members also recommended tying awards to historic‑preservation conditions. Alex Silva and others asked that the elimination of a rooftop billboard and design approvals by the Historic Commission be conditions of any grant award; Silva recommended awards be conditioned on design approval consistent with Secretary of the Interior standards when tax credits are not used.

Staff noted the application asks for attached commitment letters (question about “other funding”) but that the two applicants had indicated that section as “not available.” Members asked staff to request commitment letters and specific financing documentation from both applicants before the committee moves to a vote.