Commercial Facade Property
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Commercial Facade Property
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2002 COMMERCIAL FACADE PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM The Facade Improvement Program is intended to assist commercial property owners in the renovation to the exterior of their buildings, to improve the visual quality of the downtown and to enhance the area as a place to visit, shop and work. The Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant will contribute up to 50% of the cost of the renovation of a commercial storefront of facade, with grants ranging from $2,500 to a maximum of $50,000.00. The program guidelines regarding the maximum grant amounts or percentage contributions may be amended at the discretion of the Town's Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD) to meet the program goals. Only commercial properties located in the Downtown Target Area are eligible for this program. Property owners interested in applying for a facade grant should first discuss their plans with the OECD Director who will guide property owners through the application and approval process. To receive a facade grant, owners enter into a 10 year preservation agreement with the Town of Middleborough. While the covenant is in effect, the owner must maintain and preserve the facade improvements for which the owner has received a grant. Application is made to the Office of Economic and Community Development which is responsible for administering the funds that support the program. The OECD reviews recommendations from its Design Review Committee in determining which facade projects best meet the project selection criteria. As the program has limited funding, not all applications can be accepted. OTHER PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Property owners should discuss their plans with the OECD Director before they submit an application form. This will help applicants and architects design an eligible project that meets program requirements. The program does not finance deferred maintenance work or improvements with a very limited visual impact. Facade grants are intended to leverage substantial building improvements that will make commercial facades attractive to business tenants and induce a quality shopping environment for local residents and visitors to downtown Middleborough. All applicants and their architects must comply, whenever possible, with the AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT and Mass. Architectural Access Board regulations when designing a facade project. The OECD will consider barrier removal as a factor in facade grant eligibility. It is the duty of the architect and property owner, whenever possible, to design an accessible project. LOCAL REGULATIONS, PERMITS The OECD does not issue licenses or permits that are required for an applicant to improve a facade. Rather, this office considers grant applications on good design principles, objectives of the program, and the extent to which each application will measurably benefit the Town as a whole. Denial of a facade grant does not prevent a property owner from seeking and obtaining permits from the Middleborough Building Department, Historical Commission, or any other Town Department. The Commercial Facade Improvement Program's sole jurisdiction is the award of incentive grant monies. Favorable review of a facade proposal and grant approval from the OECD does not confer permits and approvals from other authorities. It is the applicant's responsibility to confirm all zoning and other regulatory requirements with the Town's Building Department. FACADE PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA The OECD evaluates facade applications according to certain criteria. These include:
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