Facade Improvement Program - Update

The Reedsport Main Street Program has been working on several revitalization, promotion, and economic development projects since the Program formed. One of our major projects is the Façade Improvement Program. The Façade Improvement Program is a small matching grant program offered to small, independently owned businesses for cosmetic storefront improvements. The information on the Program, the application, and resources are available on the City’s website under the Main Street section here. We are encouraging applicants to shop locally and use local contractors for this Program.

After ironing out the details, the Design Committee will be meeting with the first wave of applicants on May 15th. If you would like to be considered for project approval with the first round of applicants, the committee is asking that you have your application in by 12:00pm on May 15th. The Façade Improvement Advisory Committee will be meeting with all applicants for one-on-one interviews starting at 5:00pm on May 15th in the Council Chambers. All applicants will have an opportunity to speak with the committee for 10 minutes to explain their proposed improvements. The Committee will then review all the applications and pass on approved projects to the Board for the final stamp of approval. If you cannot complete your application by May 15th, do not stress. The Façade Improvement Advisory Committee will meet with all second month applicants on June 15th. Funds are limited and will be distributed as they are available based upon approval. If the Committee cannot fund your proposed improvements based on limitation of funds, there is still hope for the future! Please contact me with any questions on the Program and how to apply.
 
On the subject of Façade grants, I wanted to let everyone know about the Diamonds in the Rough Grant opportunity. This is a matching 1:1 grant award up to $20,000 for restoring or reconstructing the façades of buildings. The purpose is to return the building to its historic appearance. They are looking for buildings that date back to the 1960’s or before. The big seller for this grant is showing a transformation and substantial visual improvement to the building façade. The deadline for this grant is May 15th. For more information on the grant, criteria, and how to apply visit Oregon.gov or use this hyperlink: http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/HCD/FINASST/pages/grants.aspx#Diamonds_in_the_Rough_Grant_Program
 
I will be out of the office from Friday the 24th through Thursday the 30th with my family visiting from New Jersey. I will check my email periodically and have my phone with me just in case. You can also connect with City Manager, Jonathan Wright, at jwright@cityofreedsport.org with any immediate inquiries in my absence. I hope you have a great rest of the day and week to follow.

Emesha Jackson
Main Street Program Coordinator
City Of Reedsport