Applications available for storefront grants

Painesville Economic Development Office is helping owners make exterior enhancements to their properties.

Painesville was awarded a $35,000 Community Development Block Grant, said Economic Development Director Cathy Bieterman.

The grant supports the Painesville Storefront Improvement Program.

It covers 70 percent of project costs, requires a 30 percent match and applications can be made for up to $20,000, she said.

Funds will be evaluated on a scoring basis and distributed based on scoring results.

Properties must be within the Downtown Painesville Organization’s Main Street District and within the city’s Design Review District. This Design Review District includes areas east of Richmond Street, south of the CSX rail, north of South Street and west of the Grand River.

Eligible projects include exterior painting; exterior lighting and supporting electrical work, awnings, storefront signage infrastructure, exterior structural improvements, landscaping, re-pointing and window replacements.

Repainting of buildings, exterior lighting and awnings are the highest priority, according to the Storefront Improvement Grant brochure.

Bieterman said the Painesville Storefront Improvement Program will leverage funding to inspire storefront improvements in historic and underutilized commercial buildings. The objective is to enhance the appearance of the historic properties, to preserve buildings, create safe street environments and reestablish pride in some of Painesville’s oldest neighborhoods.

“This investment spurs additional investments,” she said. “We’ve seen a lot of investments made beyond the grant.”

For example, Bieterman said this investment often entices neighboring properties to make exterior improvements, too.

He is encourages businesses and property owners to apply.

For more information or to request an application, call Bieterman at 440-3925795 or visit the Economic Development Office’s website. Applications are due by Jan. 19.

“This investment spurs additional investments,” she said. “We’ve seen a lot of investments made beyond the grant.” — Painesville Economic Development Director Cathy Bieterman