Signage Improvement Program

2002 SIGNAGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Commercial Sign Grants
One of the keys to Middleborough's ongoing revitalization will be the continued improvement of building signage in the downtown district.  Studies from around the country clearly indicate that the more aesthetically pleasing a downtown is, the more viable it is.  In order to create an incentive for merchants and building owners to replace or improve their primary business signage, the town of Middleborough is offering matching grants for new signs.

Amount Of Grant Award
The Signage Improvement Program considers the length of a tenant's lease when determining the maximum grant award.  With a five year lease, the Town's Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD) may award matching grants of 50% of the total signage project cost, up to a maximum grant award of $1,000.  For business tenants with a lease term of two years or less, a matching grant would cover 25% of the total signage grant award, up to a maximum grant of $500.

Eligibility
Owners and tenants of buildings within the downtown target area boundary, established by the Town of Middleborough are eligible for this program.  The Office of Economic and Community Development has maps which specifically define this area.

The removal of signs which are damaged or deteriorated and pose a risk to the public's safety are also eligible.  OECD must be notified, and a building inspector must verify that the sign poses a risk to the public, before removing the sign.

DESIGN GUIDELINES
Copies of the program Design Guidelines are available for your use and information.  It is beneficial that the sign maker utilize the guidelines in order to receive approval of the proposed signage.

Application Procedures
1.  Contact OECD to obtain a Sign Grant Application.

2.  Before submitting the completed application, the applicant must contact two sign makers to obtain cost estimates for the proposed signage.

3.  Two sets of drawings and two separate cost estimates should be submitted to OECD with the application.  you should not commit to using wither one of these sign makers until after approval has been received from OECD.

4.  All applicants will be notified within five (5) working days whether to proceed or if additional information is required to process the application.

5.  If the applicant receives notification of acceptance, the next step is to acquire the necessary permits from the Town of Middleborough Building Department.

6.  After the proposed signage has received the necessary permits and approvals, the applicant may proceed with construction and installation of the approved sign.

7.  Upon installation of the sign, the applicant is required to notify OECD so that a review of the signage may be undertaken.

8.  Upon review, the applicant should submit paid invoices to OECD for reimbursement.  The applicant is responsible for matching the grant amount and any additional costs related to the project.

9.  A check will be sent to the applicant following verification of the original plan and paid invoice.

SIGNS

Signs are one of the most prominent elements on a storefront.  Well designed signs add interest and variety to a building's facade and enliven the street scene.  Poorly designed signs confuse customers and detract from an otherwise attractive storefront.  Compelling and legible signs are not necessarily the largest and brightest.  In a cluttered downtown, restraint is an effective way to capture attention.  The sign is an inexpensive place to begin projecting a business image.

Good sign design considers all of the following factors:  layout, composition, materials, color, size, graphics, typeface, and installation.

A sign should be
regularly maintained.