Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Applications for Downtown Façade Improvement Grant

Applications for the new Façade Improvement Grant Program for commercial buildings in downtown Clayton are now available in the Planning and Inspections Office in The Clayton Center. The matching grant program will provide an incentive to commercial property and business owners to upgrade the exteriors of their buildings. The Town Council recently approved the development of a $5,000 Façade Grant fund for this fiscal year.

Mayor Jody McLeod said, “The first impression a visitor has of a town is often the appearance of downtown. We have a great downtown, but there are signs and buildings that need some sprucing up. This program will provide an incentive for that to happen.”

The Clayton Downtown Development Association developed the program and eligible projects include façade improvements, brick or wall surface cleaning, painting and repair of exterior walls, signage or lighting installation and repair, awning repair or replacement, and window or door repair and replacement. A complete list is included with the application, which is available in the Planning & Inspections Department at The Clayton Center, 111 E Second Street. Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligible applicants may apply for up to $1,200 in matching funds with the applicant providing 75% of the project cost. For example, an applicant with a $5,000 façade improvement project could receive a $1,200 reimbursement through the grant program.

For more information, please contact Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen at 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

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