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Lewis County Launches Round 5 of the
Façade and Streetscape Improvement Program
Published: October 09, 2025
at 05:30 p.m.
By: Lewis County Office of Planning and Community
Development
LEWIS COUNTY LAUNCHES ROUND 5 OF THE FAÇADE AND
STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
LOWVILLE, NY – Lewis County is
enthused to launch Round 5 of the Façade and Streetscape Improvement
Program, an initiative designed to incentivize property owners,
non-profits, business owners, and municipalities to perform façade
improvements and streetscape enhancements in downtown areas across Lewis
County. This ongoing investment by the Lewis County Board of Legislators
will build on previous funding rounds to support continued community
revitalization efforts.
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 success of
this program demonstrates how strategic investments can quickly strengthen
our community. The visible progress in our downtowns and commercial areas
is drawing new investment and helping to create a place where future
generations of Lewis County families will be proud to call home,” said
Timothy Hunt, County Manager.
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 to enhance
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 5 are now open and must be submitted by December 31, 2025. 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, collects preliminary project details to
verify eligibility and alignment with program goals. After submission,
Planning & Community Development staff will contact project sponsors to
confirm eligibility and provide guidance for the full application process.
For the first
five (5) 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 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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 review process for their submission. The
Pre-Application deadline is October 24, 2025. Renderings and
scope-of-work packages will be delivered to participants by November 21,
2025, giving applicants several weeks to obtain cost estimates. A list of
Lewis County contractors who can provide quotes for projects is available
on the Lewis County Planning & Community Development website.
Final
applications will be reviewed by a committee 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 or around
January 30, 2025.
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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