After five rounds of a highly successful matching grant program for façade improvements, The Schuyler County Legislature, in partnership with the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, has reopened the Schuyler County Façade Improvement Program with revised criteria and expanded area. Over $200,000 is now available in matching grants for façade improvements to commercial and mixed-use buildings throughout Schuyler County.
In 2021 Schuyler County allocated $350,000 from funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and allocated these monies to improve the downtown villages in Schuyler County, reflective of the transformation that Watkins Glen realized with the Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding received in 2018. Through five rounds of funding, twenty-two buildings were granted matching funds ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Total private investment reached over $2 million dollars and helped to revitalize the downtown communities of Burdett, Odessa, Montour Falls, and Watkins Glen.
With the success of the original program, the Schuyler County Legislature has allocated an additional $200,000 and the committee worked to expand this program so that all commercial and mixed-use buildings in Schuyler County were eligible to apply.
The scoring rubric, which is outlined in the program guidelines, has been developed to enhance the pedestrian environment and promote continued investment within Schuyler County by offering a matching grant to encourage building owners to invest in their properties. Projects that are highly visible from main roads will be given priority, and the committee will be looking closely at the overall economic impact of the proposed project.
Carl Blowers, Chairman of the Schuyler County Legislature remarked, “This program has proven successful in rejuvenating storefronts in all of our Villages. The County Legislature looks forward to the investment this program will stimulate”.
The Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development will administer the grant program by working with each project sponsor, reviewing applications, and management of each award. For a list of past awards, review the grant guidelines, and download the application please visit: https://www.flxgateway.com/scfip.
Application packets are due by 5:00 p.m. February 28, 2025, with award announcements expected in April 2025.
For questions or for more information contact Kerri Green, Senior Economic & Community Development Specialist at the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development: kerri@flxgateway.com or (607) 210-6362.
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