City invites businesses, residents to apply for improvement funds
- Funds
- December 25, 2022
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- 16
TORRINGTON — Businesses and property owners are invited to apply for a second round of the city’s Facade and Building Improvement Grant Program.
In August 2021, Torrington offered the program to city businesses and commercial property owners, funding it with an economic development grant from Building Healthier Communities that it received in 2020. The program reimbursed 75 percent of expenses of the first $25,000 of approved improvements, and 25 percent of expenses for the remaining $25,000 of approved improvements, up to $50,000 of total project costs, for a maximum award of $25,000.
The City Council recently approved funding for the second program using American Rescue Plan Act funds, and commercial property owners and eligible tenants can now apply at www.torringtonct.org/facadegrant.
“Past Facade Improvement Programs were vastly successful in revitalizing the exterior of buildings, resulting in a greater sense of space, creating a more attractive location for new commercial activity, increasing energy efficiency and safer access to small businesses,” said Mayor Elinor Carbone, in a statement. “I am delighted we can bring this investment opportunity back to our business community at a time when their resources are limited but the need has intensified.”
According to Economic Development Director Rista Malanca, the program is intended to strengthen the economic viability of the city, stimulate reinvestment in commercial buildings and facilitate local economic development.
The goals, she said, are to encourage private investment in commercial properties, improve commercial building growth and reduce storefront and upper floor vacancies; improve the appearance of commercial areas in neighborhoods, strengthen local businesses, help restore or rehabilitate the original character of historic structures, while encouraging other businesses to improve their own properties, Malanca said.
A total of $120,000 is available for this round of facade and building improvement grants. The program will reimburse 50 percent of expenses up to $50,000 of approved improvements, with a maximum award of $25,000. The deadline to apply is March 5.
For information, contact Rista Malanca at 860-496-5920 or Rista_Malanca@torringtonct.org.
