Belmar Business Partnership, Inc. Business Development Committee Façade Improvement and Renovation Grant Program 2017 To encourage existing businesses to improve the appearance of their place of business, To upgrade the existing commercial inventory making it more marketable to attract new businesses to town, and provide an incentive for new businesses to locate in The Belmar Special Improvement District Maximum individual grants of 33% of construction cost to a maximum grant of $12,000. per unit, and $18,500. for multiple storefronts units. Maximum grants for properties on Assessment Schedule B (50% assessment) will be $6,000. per unit, and $9,250. for multiple storefront units. Grants are available now Rolling application for grants throughout year. Business Development Committee meets monthly to review applications and project progress Grantee has six months to complete their project from the time they receive the grant commitment letter The Facade Improvement Grant program was instituted to help businesses improve the appearance of their place of business and to improve the visual impact of the streetscape. The proceeds for this grant come from the businesses in town through the SID assessment. It is important for the applicant to know that the BBP must have the opportunity to review the color and form of the improvement in order for the grant to be approved, therefore: The application must be in to the BBP for review before the work is contracted. All of the required documentation as noted on page 6 of this application must be in to the BBP for review before the work is started. Projects that are started before approval of the grant risk not being approved since the BBP did not have the opportunity to assure that the project meets their goals as stated herein. 1
Belmar Business Partnership - Facade Improvement and Renovation Grant Program Grant Schedule Grants will be available based on the following schedule. Façade and Renovation Grant Schedule Maximum Grant Amount Single Store Front Maximum Grant Multiple Store Fronts Signs and Awnings $2,000.00 * $3,000.00 Building Façade Renovation $8,000.00 $12,500.00 Interior Renovation (Based on Criteria Herein) $8,000.00 $12,500. Combination of Interior Renovations and Building Façade Renovations $12,000.00 $18,500.00 Total Maximum Grant Amount $12,000.00 $18,500.00 * Signs and awnings, for which a grant is received, that are business specific, must remain in place of an operational business for 3 years. If the business leaves or the sign or awning is removed before 3 years from the date of the grant, a prorated share of the grant must be paid back to the Belmar Business Partnership. What types of improvements are eligible for funding and encouraged by the BBP? Exterior Signs (new, repairs, replacements, removal) Exterior Awnings Exterior Lighting Exterior Paint Exterior Removal/replacement of inappropriate or incompatible exterior finishes or materials Exterior Door or window replacement or repair Exterior Raising storefront window head heights to 9 ft or greater. Exterior Recessing/reconfiguring entrances Interior Complete replacement of outdated plumbing (cast iron and galvanized steel pipe) to bring the plumbing up to the current NJ Uniform Construction Code for New Construction * Interior Complete replacement of old electrical service and wiring with wiring and service up to the current New Jersey Uniform Construction Code for New Construction * Interior Raising ceiling heights to 10 ft or greater. Interior Installing ADA compliant access and rest rooms * Interior Installing Fire Egress compliant with current codes * * In order to qualify for grant funds the items with an Asterisk must be part of an overall project that includes cosmetic improvements to the interior and or exterior of the building. 2
Belmar Business Partnership - Facade Improvement and Renovation Grant Q & A What is the Belmar Business Partnership Facade Improvement Grant Program? The program offers up to 33% of construction cost to a maximum grant of $12,000. for single store fronts $18,500. for multiple storefront properties in matching funds to owners of commercial property and businesses located in the Belmar Special Improvement District in order to improve the appearance of individual building facades, signs and awnings, (to upgrade the commercial inventory, as well as the overall look of the Belmar Special Improvement District. Maximum grants for properties on Assessment Schedule B (50% assessment) will be $6,000. per unit, and $9,250. for multiple storefront units. Façade Improvements must be made to areas visible from the public way. The goal of this program is to leverage private improvements while making revitalization efforts affordable, creative and community-based. The Facade Improvement and Renovation Program is administered by the Belmar Business Partnership s Business Development Committee and the Board of Trustees. The Belmar Business Partnership is the non-profit management corporation that oversees the Belmar Special Improvement District. Who can apply for funding? Any commercial building owner or store proprietor/tenant with lease authority or authorization from the owner can apply for funding. The project site must be located in The Belmar Special Improvement District. Tenants must have a minimum of two years remaining on their lease or an option to renew for an additional two years. Grant funds are limited and the award of grants will be dependent on available funds. Are there design guidelines? Projects must be complimentary to surrounding buildings. All colors should be muted earth tones. The materials should be of high quality. Canvas fabric is preferred on awnings. The BBP has the right to withhold approval of a grant application if the project is not complimentary to the surrounding architecture or does not agree with the goals of the BBP. If storefront windows are to be changed they should be changed so as to increase the head height of the window to 9 or 10 ft above finished floor where possible (or as high as possible within the limits of the structure). If ceilings are to be changed they should be raised to increase the height of the ceiling. 10 to 12 ft. or greater is preferable in commercial retail and restaurants. How are the grants awarded? This is a matching grant program. The applicant pays a portion of the improvement and the Belmar Business Partnership pays a portion. The amount of the match must be at lease 2:1 applicant pays $3 and the BBP reimburses the grantee $1of the $3. However, there is a maximum grant contribution by the BBP of $12,000. per project. In multi-storefront buildings, a maximum of $18,500. may be allocated for projects involving multiple businesses. Maximum grants for properties on Assessment Schedule B (50% assessment) will be $6,000. per unit, and $9,250. for multiple storefront units. 3
Belmar Business Partnership - Facade Improvement and Renovation Grant Program Q & A Work undertaken prior to a letter of commitment being issued risks not being funded as part of the initial application review process is to ensure that the project meets grant rules. Grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis and cannot be issued until the proposed project has been completed. Before payment (of grant) is made, applicants will need to submit proof of payment for completed work, all building code approvals must be issued, and the BBP must review the completed project to determine that the actual work performed was the work approved. How does the application process work? (1) Applicant meets with the Belmar Business Partnership staff to go over procedures and determine if the project meets the grant criteria. (2) Applicant completes a preliminary application for review by the Business Development Committee. (3) When the preliminary application has been reviewed, qualified applicants will be asked to provide additional information, which will include more detail including formal cost estimates (three bids are required). Depending on the complexity of the project, the applicant may be required to provide simple sketches, color samples, architectural drawings, and other specifics to ensure that the parameters of the project are clear. (4) The Belmar Business Partnership staff will review the application for compliance with all necessary regulations. This does not constitute acknowledgement that the project fulfills all regulatory requirements. (5) The Business Development Committee will review the application and make its recommendation to the BBP Executive Committee within 15 days of receiving a completed application. (6) The Executive Committee will then vote on the application within 15 days of receiving the Business Development Committee s recommendation. (7) The applicant will receive a letter of commitment from the BBP for the specified amount with information on any other requirements. Every effort will be made to expedite the application process (8) Funds will be released to the applicant upon completion and inspection of the project. If an application is denied, a new application can be submitted during the next funding round. How are projects selected for funding? Applications will be reviewed and selected based on their compatibility with the vision and goals of The Belmar Business Partnership and their impact on moving towards that vision. 4
Belmar Business Partnership - Facade Improvement and Renovation Grant Program Q & A What happens after a project is selected for funding? Work selected for a matching grant must be completed within 6 months of approval of the application, [or the approval may expire and the funds dedicated to another grant application] unless extended by the Business Development Committee. The applicant is responsible for obtaining all building permits and any other required permits for the work to be done, as well as any other final inspections that may be required by the borough. The applicant is responsible for the conformance with all applicable safety standards and conditions. The applicant also agrees to maintain the property and improvement. The Belmar Business Partnership may promote an approved project including, but not limited to, displaying a Belmar Business Partnership sign at the site, during and after construction, and using photographs and descriptions of the project in the organization s materials. Belmar Business Partnership - Facade Improvement and Renovation Grant Program 5
Application Form Name of Applicant Name of Business Address of Business Phone Number Fax E-mail Address If applicant is a corporation or LLC, list names and telephone numbers of principals: Type of Business Applicant is the Property Owner Business Owner Other How long has the business been at the current location? When does your current lease expire? Property owner s Name (if different from applicant) Property owner s Address Property owner s Phone number Note: If you are not the property owner, please have the property owner or an authorized representative co-sign this application where indicated in the General Conditions. IMPORTANT NOTE: Proposed Facade Improvement Applicants Please: Describe the proposed improvement to the property. Include color photographs showing the existing building conditions. Include detailed sketches or drawings of the proposed improvements [including placement, color, dimensions and materials and indicate on the sketch what is to remain existing and what is new] Include three construction cost estimates. Include color swatches and any additional project information that you feel pertinent to your application. When the applicant is a tenant, include a copy of the signed lease showing there are at least 2 years remaining on the lease. Depending on the complexity of the project, once your application has received preliminary review, you may be asked for additional specifics such as: simple sketches, color samples, architectural drawings, architectural plans, and other specifics to ensure that the parameters of the project are clear. Final application will require three bids on contractor letterhead. If after cost analysis by the BBP, the estimates submitted with the application seem high, additional cost estimates may be required. Belmar Business Partnership - Facade Improvement and Renovation Grant Program 6
Application Form Description of proposed improvement (e.g., new doors/windows, signs, lighting, paint type and color, siding type and color, etc.): Proposed project budget Desired completion date How much funding assistance would you be requesting? Would you like Design Assistance (no cost to business or property owner)? [ ]yes [ ]no (design assistance consists of a meeting with Belmar Business Partnership representatives to discuss possibilities for your project) Signature of applicant Date Before submitting your application, be sure that you have complied with the requirements in the important note at the bottom of page 5. Belmar Business Partnership - Facade Improvement and Renovation Grant Program 7
General Conditions It is expressly understood and agreed that the applicant is not an employee, subcontractor or paid agent of the Belmar Business Partnership, Inc. It is expressly understood and agreed that the applicant shall be solely responsible for all safety conditions and compliance with all safety regulations, build codes, ordinances, and other applicable regulations. It is expressly understood and agreed that the applicant will not seek to hold the Belmar Business Partnership, Inc and/or any of it s agents, employees, officers or directors liable for any property damage, personal injury, or other loss relating in any way to the Facade Improvement Program. The applicant shall be responsible for maintaining valid and sufficient insurance coverage for property damage and personal injury liability relating to the Facade Improvement Program. The applicant agrees to maintain the property and improvements, including, but not limited to, promptly removing graffiti, sweeping and shoveling in front of the property. The applicant agrees to return a pro-rated amount of the grant money received if the improvement is removed or the business closes within two years. The applicant authorizes the Belmar Business Partnership to promote an approved project including but not limited to displaying a sign at the site, during and after construction, and using photographs and descriptions of the project in Belmar Business Partnership materials and press releases. The applicant understands that the Belmar Business Partnership reserves the right to make changes in conditions of the Facade Improvement Program as it deems necessary. The applicant acknowledges that the Belmar Business Partnership will hold the grant for six months from the date of its award. Should the applicant fail to complete the work within that six months, the Belmar Business Partnership may cancel the grant at its discretion. The applicant understands that payment will be made to the applicant only upon the submission of paid invoices from the contractors and canceled checks for the paid invoices, satisfaction of all building permit requirements and inspection by the Belmar Business Partnership. Applicant acknowledges that not all grants are approved. The intention of the grant is to improve the look of the individual place of business as well as the streetscape surrounding it. All projects will be reviewed by the BBP to determine the project conformity to the goals of the BBP. The applicant has the opportunity to make changes to the project in order to comply with suggestions of the BBP to secure approval. If the work that is actually done does not comply with the work which is approved the BBP has the right to withhold funding. Applicant must sign below agreeing to the terms stated above. Applicant Date Applicant Date Belmar Business Partnership - Facade Improvement and Renovation Grant Program Application Form 8
Signature of applicant: Date: If applicant is not the property owner, please have the property owner or an authorized representative review and co-sign this application below: As owner of the property at I have reviewed the above application and authorize the operator of at said address to perform the facade improvements described above as part of the Belmar Business Partnership Facade Improvement Program Signature of property owner or authorized representative: Date: Before submitting your application, be sure that you have complied with the requirements in the important note at the bottom of page 5. Return application to: Belmar Business Partnership, Inc. 708 10th Avenue, Suite D Belmar, NJ 07719 732-894-9022 info@belmarbusinesspartnership.com 9