Oct 4, 2025 By Paul Paterra 2 min read

Washington Council unanimously approved motions Thursday to support the efforts of the Washington Business District Authority and Washington Citywide Development Corp.

Council approved drafting support letters for both organizations for Local Share Account grant applications. The WBDA is seeking $150,000 for its facade grant program, and the WCDC is looking for $200,000 to implement a facade and beautification program targeting the gateways into downtown Washington.

Council also approved a support letter for Washington Christian Outreach for its Local Share Account application for $300,000 for a kitchen renovation and expansion project. Christian Outreach is committing $25,000 as matching funds, bringing the project total to $325,000.

Also Thursday, the demolition of 15 homes, slated to be torn down in 2026, was approved.

Addresses are: 262 and 293 Locust Ave., 1060 Summerlea Ave., 553 Delaware Ave., 475 Ewing St., 490 Glenn St., 980 Fayette St., 590 W. Chestnut St., 1065 Sycamore St., 825 Addison St., 185 Grove Ave., 130 Woodland Ave., 366 and 368 Houston St., and 340 Duncan Ave.

The meeting schedule for 2026 also was approved. The agenda meeting will be held the Monday before the first Thursday of each month, with the voting meeting held on that Thursday.

The only exception is in December, when the agenda meeting will be Dec. 7 and the voting meeting, Dec. 10.

Council appointed Evan Schirra to a five-year term to fill a vacancy on the zoning hearing board, effective Thursday.

Also Thursday, council approved the final land development submission for the county public safety building, contingent on final recommendations from the zoning hearing board.