For Immediate Release:

September 12, 2014

 

Program given an additional grant of $37,625

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – Last night, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved a reallocation of $37,625 in grant funds be made available to the Grow Monmouth Façade Improvement Program to help improve the look of privately-held commercial buildings throughout Monmouth County.

 

“The County’s façade program helps our local businesses in a very tangible way and now, through these additional funds, the County can help even more businesses,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Division of Economic Development. “Businesses can apply for funding to improve the exterior of their location and get a reimbursement check. Matching funds are not required and the business sees immediate physical and financial results.”

 

The County will award up to $1,850 for a project upgrades such as a new awning, paint, door or sign.  There are no matching funds required from the business. The additional grant brings the total to $112,675 set aside for this program.

 

“Total value of a project can be no more than $1,850,” added Arnone. “The grant cannot be used as part of a larger project.”

 

The program is part of the successful Grow Monmouth initiative that is utilizing HUD Community Development Block Grant funds to help improve the look of privately held commercial buildings located in HUD eligible areas of Monmouth County. No County funds are being used for the program.

 

HUD eligible areas include all or part of 24 of the County’s municipalities. Eligible municipalities are: Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Deal, Eatontown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Hazlet, Highlands, Howell, Keansburg, Keyport, Lake Como, Manalapan, Matawan, Neptune City, Neptune Twp., Ocean Twp., Red Bank, Shrewsbury Twp., Union Beach and West Long Branch.

 

Asbury Park, Long Branch and Middletown businesses are not eligible for this program because those municipalities receive designated HUD Community Development Block Grants directly.

 

The first Façade Improvement Program reimbursement check was dispersed in October 2013. To date, Monmouth County has had 25 businesses take advantage of this program and 26 others have been approved to complete façade improvement projects.

 

The County is now accepting new applications. Interested businesses should contact the Division of Economic Development for more information at 732-431-7470, email econdev@co.monmouth.nj.us or visit the Grow Monmouth section of the County website at www.visitmonmouth.com.

 

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