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Bergenfield Special Improvement District
Visual Improvement Committee
Grant Program

Program Overview:
This program is within the Visual Improvement Committee of the Bergenfield Special Improvement District and covers façade, signage and rear entrance grants.

The SID Visual Improvement Committee (VIC) provides assistance to commercial property owners and businesses located within the Bergenfield SID with grants for façade, sign and rear entrance replacement improvements. The following photos are just a sampling of recent improvements in the Bergenfield Special Improvement District.

click on photos to enlarge

Why fund façade, signage and rear entrance improvements?
The SID Visual Improvement Committee (VIC) has identified a need to provide façade, sign and rear entrance improvements to assist commercial property owners and businesses located within the Bergenfield SID to:

1. Promote the physical and economic revitalization of the Bergenfield business district.
2. Create an aesthetically pleasing shopping environment.
3. Create a defined and complementary streetscape/street retail environment through the improvement of facades, rear entrances, and signage. 

Funding Source:
Funds have been allocated for the program year 2007 from the SID's budget divided into three areas: Facade, Sign and Rear Entrances. Applicants will compete for the funds through a simple competitive application process. Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Key Program Points:

• A commercial property or business located within the boundaries of the Special Improvement District.
• Funds are provided on a 2-1 and 3-1 ratio.
• The grants are reimbursable after proof of receipt and inspected work.
• No funds will be contributed to completed projects without prior application.
• Approving body must sign off on application and any change orders.

Facade Grants:
Business and property owners are eligible to apply. Façade improvements may be funded on a 2-1 matching basis up to 50% of the project cost, at a grant maximum amount of $7,500. Projects will be considered on a project by project basis. Facade changes may require a building permit from the Building Department.

Rear Entrance Grants:
Business and property owners are eligible to apply. Rear entrance improvements may be funded on a 3-1 matching basis up to 33% of the project cost, at a grant maximum of $2,500. Projects will be considered on a project by project basis. Rear entrance changes may require a building permit from the Building Department. 

Sign Grants:
Business and property owners are eligible to apply. Signs may be funded on a 2-1 matching basis up to 50% of the cost, at a grant maximum of $2,000. Sign composition, letter and size must be approved in advance of installation or purchase. Sign entrance changes may require a building permit from the Building Department. All signs must follow sign requirements of the Borough of Bergenfield Zoning Code.

Awning Grants:
Awnings may be funded on a 2-1 matching basis up to 50% of the cost, at a grant maximum of $2,000. Both property and business owners are eligible. Sign composition, letter and size must be approved in advance of installation or purchase. Sign entrance changes may require a building permit from the Building Department. Any signage adhered to the awning must follow sign requirements of the Borough of Bergenfield Zoning Code. 

Considerations:

1. The quality of the design and its general compatibility, arrangement, materials selection, and colors will be considered individually and with regard to the adjacent buildings.
2. The application's relative impact on the building and the District.
3. The compatibility of the project to the overall streetscape.
4. Signs, as much as any other element, define the character and quality of the district. The sign's overall design, use of color, materials and placement must be complementary and/or compatible with the host building and the adjacent buildings. 
5. Any and all grant applications must follow all requirements of the Borough of Bergenfield 's zoning codes and ordinances.

All funding is discretionary. If awarded, the SID is not obligated to give the maximum amount allowed in each category. The SID may award grants in an amount less than the amount requested. Reimbursement may take 3-4 weeks after submission and approval of invoices. 

Application Review: 
Projects will be judged on a project by project basis by the VIC Committee, who will meet monthly to review applications and make recommendations to the SID Board. Applicants will have the opportunity to present their proposals to the VIC Committee. 

Applications must include:

• Three photographs of the building as it exists. Where site work is involved, photographs should include existing ground conditions around site, adjacent buildings, trees, benches, trash containers, etc.
• Written description of the project.
• Design drawings of the proposed work, indicating materials, accurate scale and colors.
• Written estimates from contractors for construction (or work) prior to award of grant. Click here to view & print the list of contractors used by others in the district.
• Written authorization from the landlord to perform the work.
• Plans and projects must comply with Borough and Building Code Regulations.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Projects completed prior to the grant application submission will not be considered. Grant recipients who have received prior grant funding will be reviewed on an individual basis for additional grants. 

To download & print application, click here.

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Bergenfield Special Improvement District
Visual Improvement Committee
Parking Lot Striping Grant Program

Program Overview:
This program is within the Visual Improvement Committee of the Bergenfield Special Improvement District and covers parking lot striping and painted directional arrows. 

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Projects completed prior to the grant application submission will not be considered.
• Grant recipients who have received prior grant funding will be reviewed on an individual basis for additional grants. 

Why fund parking lot striping and directional signage?
The SID Visual Improvement Committee (VIC) has identified a need to provide parking lot striping and directional signage improvements to assist the traffic flow for the businesses located within the Bergenfield SID to:

1. Promote the physical and economic revitalization of the Bergenfield business district.
2. Create a convenient and pleasing shopping environment.
3. Create defined and complementary parking areas for shoppers. 

Funding Source:
Funds have been allocated from the SID's budget for parking area striping. Applications will be reviewed and awarded at the discretion of the SID Board of Directors.

Key Program Points:

• A commercial property or business that is part of the Special Improvement District and subject to SID taxes.
• Funds will be granted on a 2-1 basis with a $750 maximum grant.
• The grants are reimbursable after proof of receipt and inspected work.
• No funds will be contributed to completed projects without prior application.
• Approving body must sign off on application and any change orders.
• All parking areas must comply with the Bergenfield Borough ordinances and Police regulations (i.e. fire hazards and handicapped parking).
• All parking areas must include directional arrows at entrances and exits.

Considerations:

1. The quality of the design and its general compatibility, arrangement, and convenience of shoppers
2. The application's relative impact on the businesses served.
3. The compatibility of the project to the overall streetscape.
4. Any and all grant applications must follow all requirements of the Borough of Bergenfield's zoning codes and ordinances. 

All funding is discretionary. If awarded, the SID is not obligated to give the maximum amount. The SID may award grants in an amount less than the amount requested.

Application Review: 
Projects will be judged on a project by project basis by the VIC Committee, who will meet monthly to review applications and make recommendations to the SID Board.