The former Vital Spot building is undergoing an extensive renovation and was a recipient of a portion of an improvement grant. (Photo/Josh Williams)
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LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The Livingston County Development Corporation has announced that the Sign and Facade Improvement Grant program will continue through 2016.
According to a press release from Livingston County Development, businesses located in the downtown districts of Avon, Caledonia, Dansville, Geneseo, Leicester, Lima, Livonia, Mount Morris, and Nunda can apply for improvement grants. These 9 villages are each contributing members of the Livingston County Downtown Partnership, a division of Livingston County Development.
“We are looking for projects that are transformative for the downtown district,” said Louise Wadsworth, Downtown Coordinator for Livingston County. “A carved perpendicular sign, a colorful awning or additional lighting can transform the impression a storefront makes on the pedestrian and has been proven to impact sales and traffic in the downtown.”
During the 2015 round of funding fifteen Sign and Façade Improvement projects were completed in eight of the downtown districts with a total investment of $178,500.
Reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 will be available to qualifying business or building owners within the designated downtown district of these communities.
Design guidelines specific to each village have been locally adopted and all projects assisted with these funds must comply with these guidelines. The maximum grant award will be $5,000 per building with at least a 50% match required by the owner. Any size project will be considered, from a new sign or door, to painting the entire façade or adding an awning.
According the the LCDA, during the last 5 years more than 7.2 million dollars of private and public funds have been invested in over 174 projects in our downtown districts by utilizing a combination of programs and incentives.
Applications for the Sign and Façade Improvement program will be accepted on a rolling basis from January through September 2016. Once awarded, projects must be completed within 90 days. Applications and complete program guidelines can be found at: www.livingstoncountydevelopment.com or contact Louise Wadsworth, Downtown Coordinator, at 585-243-7124.
The following businesses have already taken advantage of the program.
Wayne & Curt Schultz, Pebble-Avon Associates
Jennifer Tomaschow, Caffe Tazza
Charles Constantino, Reminisce Soda Fountain, Inc.
Elaine Flaherty, Flower City Fast Care
Greg O’Connell, Zeppo’s
Mark Scoville, Mama Mia’s
Teresa Piper, Home Place Realty
Todd Irwin, Caledonia Marketplace
Karyn Deagle, Genesee Valley Florist
Ed Phillips, EENJ/Finders Keepers
Nancy Cleveland, Cleveland Rental Property
ARC of Livingston-Wyoming, Finders Keepers
Vincent & Joni Santucci, Gatherings at the Depot
Lea Bancroft, Suzea’s LLC
Mike Bishop, The Vital Spot