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Naturally Lewis Launches Vacant Property
Revitalization Program
Published: February 16, 2023
at 07:30 p.m.
By: Press Release from Naturally Lewis
Naturally Lewis Launches Vacant Property
Revitalization Program
LEWIS COUNTY, NY
–
Naturally Lewis, in partnership with Lewis County, is targeting vacant and
potentially unsafe or blighted properties within downtown areas to turn
them into usable spaces for business development opportunities. The
Vacant Property Revitalization Program is a one-time grant
program intended to provide the support, resources and connections
needed to bring a proposed project to fruition. The Lewis County
Development Corporation has approximately $1,000,000 in funds for this
Program, which have been made available through the American Rescue
Plan Act and Lewis County.
"Downtown
spaces are vital to our communities. This partnership with Naturally Lewis
and the strategic use of American Rescue Plan funds is giving us an
opportunity to redevelop historical pieces of Lewis County and build modern
spaces for today’s business leaders” says Ryan Piche, Lewis County
Manager.
The Vacant
Property Revitalization (VPR) Program will have immediate effects on our downtowns; enhancing our communities, driving business
development, and bringing residents and tourists into downtown areas. By
focusing on bringing these buildings back to life, the community will see
an increase in the property tax base, the creation of local construction
jobs, future employment within businesses, and an enhanced quality of life.
Projects eligible
for this Program must:
- Reduce blight, contributing to the economic
recovery of downtown areas
- Be a vacant building and/or floor (currently
unused, or unable to be used due remediation or construction
needs)
- Include renovation of commercial buildings
resulting in occupancy through new business or residential
(residential occupancy includes 2nd floors and above)
- Be financially feasible
- Show community benefit, such as increased tax
base, job creation or new business development
Awarded projects
will receive 50% of total project costs, up to $100,000 per project, and
will be in the form of a reimbursement grant. Funding will be
reimbursed to the property owner once agreed upon milestones are met
and the project is complete.
To apply for the
Vacant Property Revitalization Program and to read full program
guidelines, complete visit https://naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/vpr. The
application process for the Program is available in full on the Program’s
webpage. The first round of Program applications are due on April 7, 2023.
For more
information on the Vacant Property Revitalization Program contact
Cheyenne Steria, Director of Finance & Incentives, at cheyenne@naturallylewis.com or
by phone at (315) 376-3014.
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