Some businesses near the Sandman Hotel explosion in downtown Fort Worth could receive assistance from the city in nearly a month.
The Jan. 8 explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel, 810 Houston Street, injured nearly 20 people and sent debris and parts of the building's facade flying onto the sidewalk and nearby streets. Due to the ongoing cleanup, entrances and exits to nearby businesses were closed, restricting vehicle and foot traffic.
Officials with the Fort Worth Economic Development Authority had begun a plan a month later to devise ways to help affected businesses. At the city's Local Development Corporation board meeting, officials presented the Small Business Disaster Recovery Stimulus Program, a $250,000 split fund that was approved.
Businesses can seek grants of up to $50,000 from the program, said Ori Fernandez, deputy director of the city's Economic Development Department.
As part of his presentation, Mr. Fernandez laid out several guidelines for businesses to qualify. Among other things, he must have a physical store, he must have been in business for at least six months prior to the explosion, and he must have experienced a reduction in employment or revenue as a result of the explosion. Masu.
Fernandez and Economic Development Director Robert Stearns said five businesses need the money the most. Stearns mentioned several businesses on or near West 8th Street during the meeting, including La Creamian, Thompson's Bookstore, Barber's Bookstore and a nearby law firm.
However, Fernandes said: Fort Worth Star Telegram Other people in the area will be able to apply as well. He said applications would be reviewed by the Ministry of Economic Development and awarded by the end of April, if not sooner.
“We will use a scoring matrix that will determine the amount of funding that will be awarded to each eligible company,” Fernandez told the board.
Fernandes said companies that received the funds would have to document how the funds were used within six months.
“I just want to thank you for doing this,” said City Councilor Elizabeth Beck. She said: “Many of these businesses have contacted our office and expressed that the Sandman explosion has impacted their day-to-day business as well as trying to continue with their daily lives. ”
The funds will be used for several approved business needs, including rent or mortgage payments, employee expenses, utilities, and the purchase of supplies to provide alternative business access such as curbside pickup and delivery services. You can use it.
More than two months have passed since the explosion. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the explosion. A number of lawsuits have been filed against the building's owner (Northland Properties) and the gas supplier (Atmos Energy). The court ordered crews to be prevented from removing debris from the explosion site for several weeks.
Contractors received permission from the city to begin cleanup in early February. Atmos Energy asked a judge to release the company from liability, but the case is still pending and a hearing is scheduled for April. The company said in January that it had found “no indication” that its systems were involved in the explosion.
Some business owners expressed excitement and relief about the program. Star–telegram report. Lisa Jackson, owner of ice cream shop La Creamien, told the newspaper that the grant would be great.
“We'll probably be able to cover the cost of repairing the windows,” said Brian Perkins, owner of Barber's Bookstore.
