DeKALB | Downtown DeKalb will receive a $100,000 face-lift by the end of 2007.

The city council approved resolutions giving a green light to the downtown redevelopment group ReNew DeKalb to disperse multiple grants through its “Paint the Town” program. Building owners will apply for up to $10,000 each to repaint building fronts along the Lincoln Highway corridor.

Aldermen did voice concern that the money would be a grant and require nothing of the building owner other than the initial application.

Fifth Ward Alderman Pat Conboy wanted the proposal rewritten to require a 25 percent matching contribution from business owners but after some debate said he was willing to give it a try as is. Alderman Steve Kapitan, Ward 3, also questioned the $38,000 listed to go to various fees and a 15 percent cut to ReNew DeKalb for administering the grants.

Jennifer Groce of ReNew DeKalb said the group will begin publicizing the program Tuesday, sending out letters, advertising through local sources and in some situations, hand delivering applications to certain downtown businesses. She said a few building owners have already expressed an interest in applying for the grants.

Each applicant will be required to submit a digital photo of the building front they wish to have repainted so artists working with ReNew DeKalb can create mock-ups. While the group will consult with owners over color schemes and other details, Groce said the final plan will be solely up to the group and the city council.

After the May 9 deadline ReNew DeKalb will present the city council the mock-ups and applications from all the businesses that apply. The council will then have the final say over which buildings will be given grant money.