New Façade Program to
Encourage Economic Development
The Bristol Development Authority (BDA) recently launched
the Downtown/West End Façade Improvement Program to strengthen the economic
viability of Downtown and West End businesses. By helping to improve the
exterior appearance of storefronts and commercial buildings, the City hopes to
attract quality businesses that foster economic growth while combating negative
perceptions of these critical areas of the City. I believe in the “broken
windows” theory in which crime and other undesirable activity gravitate toward
blight and run-down establishments. This program is part of a larger
quality-of-life focus for my administration to help create safe and attractive
neighborhoods that residents, property owners, and business owners can be proud
of.
The BDA will offer 50% grant awards, up to $25,000, for
design and construction for a variety of façade projects, including new
signage, windows, doors, paint, stucco or other siding material, brick work,
and more. The BDA staff are excited to work with applicants through each step
of the process, from obtaining project quotes, to aiding in the grant
application process, to even helping choose paint colors or materials. And
while the City can only provide 50% grants, BDA staff is ready to work with
business owners to secure other financing to complete the projects.
Funding for this program is provided by the Connecticut
Department of Economic and Community Development, which stipulates that funds
can only be used in designated downtown and West End areas. Eligible properties must be current on
property taxes and must be deemed safe and capable of occupancy. Properties
that are exclusively residential in nature, home-based business that are not
assessed for commercial use, municipal buildings, and religious institutions
are not eligible.
For more information on the program, and to learn if
your business or building is eligible, contact the BDA at 860-584-6185 or log
on to www.bristolct.gov/bda
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