Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Updated

DDA/Town Council Make Minor Adjustments to Improve Effectiveness


BEFORE


AFTER

The Clayton Town Council recently approved changes to the Downtown Façade Improvement Grant program as recommended by the Downtown Development Association.

The changes come from a DDA Design Committee review of the program following 8 approved projects and 4 completed projects in an effort to make the program more effective.

“The changes strengthen the program because it provides better guidance for eligible projects,” according to Jeme Avent, the DDA’s Design Committee chair.

Among the changes:
- Eligibility should be viewed in terms of real estate v personal property. Façade improvements should be those that are permanent and part of the building.

- Landscaping of any kind was removed as an eligible expense

- Sign structures or a frame that holds a sign (for example a projecting sign) was added

- Sign replacement and repair was modified so that only established businesses (3 years +) are eligible.

The program provides a 50% reimbursement grant of eligible expenses, and there are still some earmarked funds remaining in this year’s project budget. New façade projects will have to be completed by June 1 in order to qualify.

For a copy of the updated program, visit the Town of Clayton website at www.townofclayton.org . Or call Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen at (919) 553-1545.