Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

BY IVAN SANDERS
CITY OF ELIZABETHTON PIO

Downtown merchants within the Main Street District of Downtown Elizabethton gathered for a public meeting to hear details of the Elizabethton Facade Rehabilitation Grant Program, which encourages the improvement of downtown buildings.

By making improvements, businesses awarded the grant should see an increase in commercial sales, furthering local sales tax collection in the downtown area. Additionally, the enhancements will boost the marketability of downtown buildings and attract new businesses and shoppers to the area.

Assistant City Manager Logan Engle reviewed the application process with those in attendance, covering eligible properties, the grant timeline, program eligibility, eligible and ineligible activities, and the application process.

The application process began on Monday, Aug. 12, with applications now available for those considering making improvements and wishing to apply for the grant.

The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at the close of business.

Completed grant applications will be considered and awarded by no later than Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and may be returned to the applicant for completion and resubmission.

A total of $40,000 will be awarded, with reimbursements available in increments of up to $7,500 for successful applicants.

Only one application per building will be accepted each year.

All proposed work must be completed no later than Monday, June 2, 2025. Building owners should only apply if they are committed to completing the project by the deadline and using all the matching grant funds requested in the application.

All construction must comply with applicable codes. It is the responsibility of the building owner, tenant, or their designee to obtain any required building permits.

Engle stressed that applicants need to take time to fill out the application thoroughly with as much information as possible.

Engle can be contacted for more information at 423-542-1502. Additionally, Courtney Bean, Main Street Program Director, can be contacted at 423-213-0090 for any questions regarding the grant.