Coral Springs has approved a $50,000 grant to a perfume retailer in Coral Square Mall, marking a major step in the city’s efforts to revitalize local businesses
Coral Springs, Florida – In a move aimed at revitalizing the Coral Square Mall, the Coral Springs City Commission approved a $50,000 grant last week to support a perfume store’s storefront improvements. The funds will go to Perfumania, a business operated by Perf Opco LLC, located inside the mall. The grant is part of the city’s Economic Development Incentive Program, designed to enhance the visual appeal of commercial properties and, in turn, stimulate the local economy.
The grant will be used to renovate the existing storefront, which includes demolishing the old structure and replacing it with a new 20-foot shopfront. According to city officials, the total cost of the renovation project is expected to exceed $100,000, which will cover not only demolition but also carpentry, window installations, painting, flooring, and electrical work.
The city’s Economic Development Incentive Program was launched with the goal of improving retail, manufacturing, and industrial properties within Coral Springs. By providing financial assistance for exterior enhancements, the program aims to increase property values, boost occupancy rates, and attract more businesses to the area. Officials believe that well-maintained properties are vital to fostering a strong, competitive local economy.
However, the decision to award the grant was not without controversy. While the majority of the City Commission supported the initiative, Commissioner Shawn Cerra voiced his concerns. Cerra voted against the grant, arguing that spending such a large amount on a single storefront might not be the most effective use of city funds. “I feel that just improving one storefront with $50,000 would not necessarily be the best use of these dollars,” he explained.
Cerra also raised questions about the involvement of Simon Property Group, the owner of Coral Square Mall, in funding the renovations. He suggested that the mall owner should be contributing to the improvements rather than relying on city funds. “I don’t necessarily think that these dollars should be going inside the mall,” Cerra added.
The commissioner further pointed out that other businesses in the mall might also seek similar grants, which could stretch the city’s $250,000 annual allocation for such projects. While the Economic Development Incentive Program has a set budget, Cerra questioned whether the city would be able to support multiple grant requests if they came in quickly.
Despite these concerns, Mayor Scott Brook expressed his support for the grant, emphasizing the potential long-term benefits. He acknowledged the importance of the renovations for the store and for the mall as a whole. “Who knows what it can spur in the mall, whether they partake in our grants or not?” Mayor Brook said. He believes that the improvements might encourage other mall tenants to follow suit, ultimately benefiting the entire shopping center and the local community.
Perfumania’s renovation is one of the first projects to receive funding through the city’s grant program this year. The city hopes that the visible improvements will set a positive example and encourage other businesses to take advantage of similar opportunities. The program is intended to provide financial support for exterior enhancements, with the ultimate goal of boosting the city’s economic growth and creating a more attractive environment for shoppers and businesses alike.
As the renovation project moves forward, it remains to be seen whether other businesses within Coral Square Mall will apply for grants of their own. However, the approval of Perfumania’s grant marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to modernize its commercial spaces and foster a thriving business community.
The $50,000 grant for Perfumania represents a small but important part of Coral Springs’ broader plan to enhance the appearance and appeal of its retail spaces. While the debate over the best use of city funds continues, the city commission’s decision reflects a commitment to improving the local economy and supporting business growth in Coral Springs.
