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Bergenfield Special Improvement District Visual Improvement Committee Grant Programs

BSID Grant Availability - Interest in District Improvements result in 2010 Grants Commitments
 
In 2009, the BSID Sign, Awning, Sidewalk & Facade grant program was allocated $28,000. Notwithstanding the economic challenges facing the small business owners in particular, the Bergenfield Business district has seen many businesses replace old and tired signs and awnings, new facades and the BSID's first sidewalk replacement grant. As a result, the entire allocation for this program has been committed.
 
In 2010, the program will be allotted $31,500 and, as of December, 2009, applications have been received and approved for new signs and awnings as well as facade and sidewalk improvements that are scheduled for completion in the first six months of 2010 and which - if grant terms are met by the applicants - will utilize all of the funding allocated.
 
The BSID does not know if additional funding will become available in 2010. However, district business and commercial property owners undertaking qualified and eligible improvements may still choose to file applications, and on a first-come, first served, approved and completed basis, should funding become available, grants will be considered. Please contact the BSID to inquire as to the availability of new funding. 

BSID Awards First Sidewalk Improvement Grant – Click Here to read the full story.

GRANT PROGRAMS OVERVIEW:
The Bergenfield SID Visual Improvement Committee (VIC) provides assistance to commercial property owners and businesses located within the Bergenfield SID with grants for façade/Sidewalk, sign & awning replacement, rear entrance and parking lot striping and directional signage. The following photos are just a sampling of recent improvements in the Bergenfield Special Improvement District.

click on photos to enlarge

FUNDING SOURCE:
Funds allocated for the program year 2009 from the SID's budget are divided into four areas:

  1. Façade/Sidewalk
  2. Sign & Awning Replacement
  3. Rear Entrances
  4. Parking Lot Striping and Directional Signs

Applicants will compete for the funds through a simple competitive application process. Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a first come, first served basis. Applications will be reviewed and awarded at the discretion of the SID Board of Directors.

Why Fund Façade, Sign & Awning, Rear Entrance and Parking Lot Improvements?
The SID Visual Improvement Committee (VIC) has identified a need to provide assistance to fabricate and install facade, sign & awning, rear entrance and parking lot improvements. Funds are to assist commercial property and business owners 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.

Key Program Points:

  • To be considered for a grant, the applicant must own a commercial property or operate a business located within the boundaries of the Special Improvement District.
  • Funds are provided on a 2-1 and 3-1 ratio of SID funding to private investment.
  • The grants are reimbursable after proof of payment and staff certification that the work funded has been completed and is consistent with the application and work description.
  • No funds will be contributed to completed projects without prior application.
  • Approving body must sign off on application and any change orders.

Considerations and Criteria:

  1. All proposed designs must be consistent with the design criteria established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center and meet all local ordinances. Click here to read Design Guidelines regarding the design and improvement of commercial properties.
  2. All proposed improvements must reflect a quality of design so as to be generally compatible in size, arrangement, materials selection, typography and colors with regard to adjacent commercial storefronts while also promoting the individual business. Signs, awnings and in general all facade improvements, as much as any other element, define the character and quality of the district. The proposed improvement's overall design, use of color, materials and placement must be complementary and/or compatible with the host building and the adjacent buildings.
  3. The proposed design will be evaluated on the visual impact it will have on the individual property and on the district as a whole.
  4. The proposed design will also be evaluated on its general compatibility to the overall streetscape.
  5. Any and all grant applications must follow all requirements of the Borough of Bergenfield's zoning codes and ordinances.

The BSID will make the limited funding available to the district applicants who wish to invest and meet a standard of design that is understood to cost more. If an applicant wishes to rise to that standard, then the BSID is prepared to contribute to the cost of doing so. If an application does not - in the opinion of the VIC/BSID - meet that standard then no funds will be awarded.

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:

  • Photographs of the building as it exist. 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 download and print the list of contractors used by others in the district.
  • Written authorization from the landlord to perform the work. Click here to download and print the grant programs application.
  • 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.

Facade/Sidewalk Grant:
Business and property owners are eligible to apply. Façade/sidewalk 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. Fifty percent (50%) or more of the current total sidewalk must be considered hazardous. If an applicant wishes to utilize a material other than the ‘concrete’ replacement where concrete currently exists as an enhancement, such as brick pavers, the BSID will reimburse up to 50% of the cost of comparable ‘concrete’ replacement for the s`ame area. Blacktop replacement will not be considered for this grant. Click here for the Borough’s requirements for concrete sidewalk replacement. Facade/sidewalk 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 & Awning Replacement Grant:
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 and awnings must follow requirements of the Borough of Bergenfield Zoning Code.

Parking Lot Striping and Directional Signage Grant :
Business and property owners are eligible to apply. Funds are provided on a 2-1 basis with a $750 maximum grant. All parking areas must comply with the Bergenfield Borough ordinances and Police regulations (i.e. fire hazards and handicapped parking) and include directional arrows at entrances and exits. Parking lot and sign changes may require a building permit from the Building Department. All parking lot striping and directional signage must follow requirements of the Borough of Bergenfield Zoning Code.

To download & print Facade, Sign/Awning, and Rear Entrance application, click here.