It may not be growing on trees, but money is available for downtown building and business owners wanting to make exterior improvements.
The Downtown Development Authority and Village of Lake Orion have set aside $30,000 in matching grant funds to be used during the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2007.
‘This is a great benefit for downtown business owners,? said DDA Director Lois Golden. ‘We want this money to be used.?
The 50/50 matching grants can be used for new lighting, signage, awnings, paint, repairs, brick work, cleaning or other upgrades, but only for exterior improvement, said Golden.
The Building Improvement Grants are ongoing and applications are reviewed by a DDA design committee on a first-come, first-serve basis.
‘The grants will be awarded until the money’s gone,? said Janet Hartman, DDA Administrative Coordinator. ‘Every budget year we end up with money left over. It’s a shame.?
Hartman said prospective applicants shouldn’t be discouraged by the necessary paperwork.
‘We can help guide the applicants through the process,? she said.
Downtown businesses that have already applied for and received approval for grant money through the BIG program include: CJ’s Cafe and Sandbar, Elements, Little Monsters and Ed’s Broadway Gift & Costume.
Golden said building and business owners are also eligible for free design assistance from Mainstsreet Oakland County through the grant program.
‘You don’t even have to own the building to request a grant,? she said. ‘You can still get the money if you’re renting or leasing the building, pending permission from the owner.?
Hartman encouraged potential applicants to apply even if and when this year’s funds run out.
‘The program will continue during the next fiscal year,? she said. ‘It will still be based on a first-come basis.?
For more details about Building Improvement Grants, contact Lois Golden at 693-9749, or e-mail the DDA at office@downtownlakeorion.org.