Biddeford Main Street Makeover Façade Improvement Grant Program

Transcription

1 Biddeford Main Street Makeover Façade Improvement Grant Program 1. Name of Applicant: 2. Please check one: Property Owner Tenant (See Required Documents list on p. 2) 3. Business Name (if applicable): 4. Property Address: 5. Mailing Address (if different from above): 6. Daytime Phone: Description of the project (See Eligible Projects list on p. 3-4) a) Please provide a brief written description of each proposed activity, along with materials to be used. (For example: (1)Paint entire street facade with 3 colors, a base wall color, a trim color and an accent color (2) Remove existing internally illuminated sign and replace with a new Historic Preservation Commission-approved sign.) b) Please attach a photo of where each proposed activity will take place as well as design sketch(es) showing what it should look like when finished. Please include any information that will help in the processing of your application (see Required Documents list on p. 2). 9. Total Estimated Cost of Improvements*: On a separate page, provide a cost breakdown for labor and material, based on an estimate from a qualified contractor or design professional for each proposed activity (see Required Documents list on p. 2). 10. Funding Total Grant Amount Requested: Source and Amount of Matching Funds:

2 11. I have read and understand the attached Program Overview and Guidelines. I understand that this is a matching grant program and that the money is granted on a reimbursement basis, following completion of work. I also understand that improvements not pre-approved by Heart of Biddeford will not be funded. Applicant s Signature Date 12. Property Owners Acknowledgement (if Applicant is a Tenant) I am the Property Owner of the above address; I have been informed of the Applicant's intention to perform the improvements described in the attached documentation, and I herby approve the proposed improvements. Property Owner s Signature Date 13. Property Owner s Contact Information (if different from Applicant) Full Name: Phone: Address: Please return your completed application along with documentation listed below to the Heart of Biddeford, 205 Main Street, Suite 103, Biddeford, Maine Or, submit online at Facade Improvement Grant applications are accepting on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of decision within two weeks of receipt of application. Required documentation: 1) Business tenants must provide copy of the lease. 2) Provide a cost breakdown for labor and material, based on an estimate from a qualified contractor or design professional for each proposed activity. In order to encourage quality and value, the City requires that you demonstrate receipt of estimates from three qualified contractors or design professionals. Then, provide a detailed estimate from your chosen contractor along with an explanation for why this is the lowest responsible and responsive estimate. 3) Preliminary sketch or other graphics of the proposed improvements.

3 Biddeford Main Street Makeover Façade Improvement Grant Program Program Overview 1. Program Summary The Heart of Biddeford, in partnership with the City of Biddeford Department of Economic & Community Development and the Historic Preservation Commission, administers the façade improvement grant program to provide financial assistance to downtown businesses and property owners who wish to make physical improvements to their buildings. The program is designed to help businesses cost-share visual improvements to their buildings in the downtown. Upon Council approval of the Program and funding allocation, applications will be accepted and reviewed for a period of thirty (30) days and subject to review criteria listed below prior to award announcements. Applications demonstrating readiness to commence project and those having the greatest match will receive priority in funding decisions. Any remaining funds, after the initial award announcements, will be dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis (by the date received in the office or submitted online), provided the activities meet the criteria listed below. Funding for this program is subject to availability. The Main Street Makeover funds provide a maximum $15,000 award with a 1:1 match ratio. Funds may be used for a variety of façade improvement activities listed in the Eligible Projects section of this program announcement. 2. Funding and Administration Funding for the Main Street Makeover grants come from the City s Tax Increment Financing funds. The Heart of Biddeford will approve grants, pending consultation from the City of Biddeford Department of Economic & Community Development, and approval from the Historic Preservation Commission. The administration and operation of the program shall confirm to all federal, state and local codes. 3. Program Guidelines and Eligibility a. Main Street Makeover funds will become available September, b. Maximum award is $15,000. c. Grants are available for up to 50% of the total cost of the improvement project and therefore must be matched at a ratio of 1:1. The amount of grant funds shall be up to 50% of the actual total UNLESS the actual total is greater than the estimated total, in which case the grant fund reimbursement shall be up to 50% of the estimated total. d. The grant applicant may be the property owner or tenant. A tenant must have the property owner s signed approval of the proposed building improvement. e. Building owner must be willing to provide proof of ownership. f. All City and real and personal property taxes due have been paid current. e. A Main Street Makeover grant may only be made to a property in the downtown, so long as it has commercial uses within it. f. The applicant will be reimbursed for the amount of the grant award only upon completion of the project.

4 g. All projects must be completed within one (1) year of award. A request for an extension could be granted, if delay is due to a legitimate cause. Request for extension must occur before the one year is up. 4. Eligible Projects. Please note that proposed improvements must comply with Code and Design Review Requirements (see attachment) a. Signage b. Awnings c. Storefront improvements d. Restoration of original/historic windows, doors, and trim where possible e. Repair or replacement of windows, doors, and trim f. Cleaning and/or painting of wood surfaces g. Cleaning and/or repointing of surface brick or stone h. Removing paint from brick or stone i. Exterior lighting j. Removal of modernization efforts and/or inappropriate non-historic alterations/additions k. Cleaning and repair or installation of approved siding l. Roofing visible from street-level m. Removal or repair of fire escape n. Hardscapes o. Increased access for disabled (on street frontage) p. Interior leaseholder improvements may be eligible for applicant match, when the façade is part of a larger project. q. Other, please explain how project fits in the spirit of the program 5. Ineligible Projects a. Purchase of commercial property/equipment b. New building construction c. Routine maintenance 6. Application Process and Timeline a. To apply for a Main Street Makeover grant, fill out the attached form or fill it out online at Include available drawings and descriptive information on the design of the project and products to be used. b. Provide both material and labor cost estimates for each item (see attached form for more details). c. The Heart of Biddeford will review each application and consult with appropriate City departments and the Historic Preservation Commission, and will announce the decision within two weeks of receipt of paper or digital application. d. One building may receive multiple Main Street Makeover grants, providing they are addressing multiple business storefronts. e. Successful applicants may begin improvements any time after receiving official grant award notification. No improvements begun prior to award notification will be eligible for reimbursement. f. Upon completion of the project, the business/property owner shall submit invoices from the contractors for work completed, with proof of match payments. Business and property owner must sign a statement that all work has been completed to satisfaction. g. The Heart of Biddeford will complete an inspection to determine that the work was completed in accordance with the original grant application and cost estimates. h. Payment is made directly to the contractors.

5 7. Historic Preservation All projects will occur in Biddeford s designated Historic District, therefore all Main Street Makeover projects will be subject to Historic Preservation standards.

6