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Lewis County Launches Round 4 of Façade and
Streetscape Improvement Program
Published: August 24, 2024
at 07:30 p.m.
By: Press Release from Lewis County Planning &
Community Development Department
LEWIS COUNTY LAUNCHES $150,000 GRANT FOR
TRANSFORMATIVE FAÇADE AND STREETSCAPE PROJECTS
LOWVILLE, NY – Lewis County is
excited to launch Round 4 of the Façade and Streetscape Improvement
Program, an initiative that incentivizes property owners, non-profits,
business owners, and municipalities to perform façade improvements and
streetscape enhancements in downtown areas across Lewis County. The Façade
& Streetscape Improvement Program has been an ongoing investment by the
Lewis County Board of Legislators and Round 4 will award up to $150,000 in
project submissions.
Lewis County’s
downtown districts and public spaces are the heart of community life,
serving as vibrant hubs for gatherings, special events, and small business
success. To strengthen the character and appeal of its villages and
hamlets, the county's Façade & Streetscape Improvement Program is
dedicated to revitalization through public and private investment. This
program offers up to 75/25 matching funds for eligible improvements to
mixed-use and commercial buildings, as well as streetscape enhancements. These
efforts aim to boost business growth, enhance tourism, stimulate local
spending, and reduce blighted and vacant properties, driving the
revitalization of Lewis County’s communities.
“The ongoing
success of this program highlights the significant impact of placemaking
investments in our community. To attract new investors and ensure that the
next generation of Lewis County families stays rooted here, we must
continue prioritizing our downtowns and commercial districts,” said Lewis
County Legislator, Jeff Nellenback.
Façade
improvement funds are available to property owners, non-profits, and
businesses with mixed-use or commercial buildings in the downtown areas of
hamlets or villages. Eligible projects must comply with local zoning
regulations and design standards. Improvements can include, but are not
limited to, enhancements to entryways, signage, windows, doors, exterior
paint, and lighting.
Municipalities
are encouraged to apply for streetscape improvement funds aimed at
enhancing walkability and the overall aesthetics of their village or
hamlet. Eligible projects may include gateway and wayfinding signage,
street furniture, landscaping, and public art installations.
The Façade &
Streetscape Program is a competitive funding opportunity. Applications for
Round 4 will open on August 21, 2024 and must be
submitted by November 1, 2024. To enhance the application process for both
applicants and the review committee, it is strongly recommended that
applicants participate in the Pre-Application process this year.
The brief
Pre-Application Form, available on the Lewis County Planning &
Community Development website, will collect preliminary project details to
verify eligibility and alignment with program goals. After submission,
Planning & Community Development staff will reach out to project
sponsors to confirm eligibility and provide guidance for the full
application process.
For the first 10
eligible Pre-Applications focused on façade improvements, staff will
collaborate with InSite Architecture to provide free project renderings and
refine the scope of work in accordance with the Lewis County Downtown
Design Guidelines. This service is offered at no cost to applicants.
While
participation in the Pre-Application process is optional, doing so offers
significant advantages. Applicants who complete this step will receive
additional points during the submission review process. The Pre-Application
deadline is September 20, 2024. Renderings and scope-of-work packages will
be delivered to participants by October 18, 2024, giving applicants two
weeks to obtain estimates. A list of Lewis County contractors who would be
able to provide quotes for projects can be found on the Lewis County
Planning & Community Development website.
Final
applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives
from the Board of Legislators, the Department of Planning & Community
Development, the County Manager’s Office, Naturally Lewis, and the Lewis
County Historical Society. Award notifications will be issued on December
2, 2024.
To learn more
about the Lewis County Façade & Streetscape Improvement Program or to
apply, visit the Lewis County Planning & Community Development website:
https://lewiscountyny.gov/departments/planning-and-community-development/facade-and-streetscape-improvement-program/
Lewis County
residents are invited to Like and Follow the Lewis County, NY Facebook
page, to receive timely updates on County events, initiatives, and the work
of the Lewis County Legislators.
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