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The Niagara County Façade Program 2.0 is designed to provide matching grants to renovate commercial building exteriors along our main streets, commercial corridors, and business districts throughout Niagara County. Grants of up to $50,000 are available with a dollar-for-dollar match from project sponsors. Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, not-for-profit organizations, property owners, and building tenants (with landlord approval). Applicants must have owned or leased the building prior to January 2020, and the owner must be current on their property taxes.
Program Goals:
· Jumpstart façade improvement projects impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
· Support businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
· Revitalize existing buildings in our traditional downtowns and main streets.
· Enhance the aesthetics of our community and the economic vitality of our business districts.
· Preserve significant and historic buildings and encourage the adaptive reuse of buildings to accommodate new uses.
· Create an environment that attracts investment, fosters development, and creates new business opportunities.
· Assist property owners in making buildings energy efficient and code compliant, including meeting ADA requirements.
· Leverage private sector investment.
Eligible Expenses:
Projects should mainly include permanent improvements to the façade or exterior of the building. Examples include signage, siding, exterior paint, roofing, windows and doors, stairs and ramps, walkways, decking, awnings, exterior lighting, etc.
Eligibility will, in part, be based on the project delivering a sustainable outcome that lends to a more visually appealing corridor. Temporary, seasonal, or removable improvements such as landscaping, flowers, holiday decorations, etc. are not eligible expenses.
Applications are due by March 26, 2024, and the project must be completed by October 31, 2024. Businesses that cannot meet these time guidelines should not apply.
Additional information about the program as well as the application can be found at https://www.niagaracountybusiness.com/facade-program-2.0
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