Freehold Center

GUIDELINES:

DOWNTOWN FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

1	This program will begin its first year with approximately $18,600 in available funding. Of this amount, $5,000 will be from Community Bank of New Jersey, $5,000 will be from the Freehold Savings & Loan, and $8,600 will be from the SID budget. It is anticipated that the program will continue with at least this amount of funding for the next couple of years, at which point it can be reassessed.
2	The loan portion of the program will come from the partnership agreement with Community Bank and Bank of New York. The terms and amounts of available loans are yet to be determined with each bank, and may depend and be determined on a loan by loan basis within broader guidelines.
3	All proposed work will come before the Planning, Coordination & Design Committee, who will use the Freehold Center Design Guidelines, as the reference source for funding. If architectural services are used, architects will be approved by the Committee, and will have agreed in advance to adhere to the FCP guidelines as much as possible.
4	The Target Area for this program will include the entire SID (commercial properties only), with emphasis given to funding at the highest level to areas seen with the greatest need or potential for upgrade.
5	Emphasis will be given to utilize grant funding for permanent building and structural façade improvements, with lesser funding for signs, awnings and other movables, etc.
6	Each property is limited to a maximum grant of $5,000.00 total, and cannot be eligible to receive future grants where the total would exceed that amount, even if property ownership, or businesses conducted on the property change.
7	Jayne Carr, Executive Director of the Freehold Center Partnership, will oversee this program and handle all related paperwork, applicants, etc.

Freehold Center Partnership

Downtown Façade Improvement Program

A Combination Grant/Loan Program for Business and Property Owners in Freehold Center

What is the Freehold Center Partnership Downtown Façade Improvement Program?

This program is an innovative approach to improving the physical appearance and safety of our downtown buildings and overall business district. Utilizing funding from the Special Improvement District and the support of Community Bank of New Jersey, Bank of New York, and Freehold Savings & Loan, we will be offering a combination of grants and loans to business and property owners for improvements to their building storefronts. This program will improve the quality of our downtown structures, foster working relationships between the public and private sector, and ultimately increase Freehold’s business base and desirability.

How much money has been committed to this program?

This year, we have committed up to $8,600 in Special Improvement District funds and $5,000 each from Community Bank of New Jersey and Freehold Savings and Loan for individual grants. In addition, Community Bank and Bank of New York have each committed to provide low-interest loans to qualified applicants utilizing this program. Applicants may apply for the grant, the loan or both.

How does the program work?

Business and property owners located in the target area (see map) can apply for funding. The Partnership will have available grants up to $5,000 per application for exterior façade improvements. Applicants will provide a minimum of 50% of the total cost of renovation, and the grant will provide up to 50% in the target areas of the district. Different proportions will apply in other sections of the district.

Applicant may seek funding for their matching portion or for any other exterior façade improvements by applying for a low-interest loan from participating banks.

A committee review process will take place after application is made with major consideration given to: size of building, location, and whether the grant enhances the historic character of the structure that may not have been possible without the additional funding.

Why is this program more attractive than simply seeking funding from the bank myself?

One major advantage of participating in this program is that grant funds do not have to be paid back. In addition, the terms of the loan portion of this program are much better than most business or property owners could obtain individually.

What types of improvements will qualify for funding under this program?

Grant and loan funds under this program must be used exclusively for exterior façade improvements. The following are examples of work that will qualify; however, this is not a complete list of qualifying work:

Correction of exterior code violations
Painting and siding
Signs and awnings (Maximum of $500.00 to be paid out of grant money)
Exterior repairs
Door and window replacement
Rehabilitation and historic preservation
Shutters (wood)
Trimwork
Enhanced entryways and display windows

Note that all work eligible for funding under this program must adhere to the Freehold Center Design Guidelines, a copy of which is available at the Freehold Center Partnership Office. The Partnership has the right to refuse funding to projects that do not adhere to these guidelines when applying or during construction..

Will this program assist me in finding an architect, contractor of sign/awning manufacturer?

When you complete and submit your application for funding, the Freehold Center Partnership will assist you in determining what type of professional services your project will need. If approved, you may be eligible to apply for up to $500 reimbursement out of the grant to pay for architectural services in connection with your façade renovation. If architectural services are not required, you will be provided with a list of contractors, sign/awning manufacturers, and other resources that will assist you to seek bids on your project. You are always permitted to seek your own resources and contrators, but all work must conform to the approved guidelines.

How difficult will it be to obtain permits and approvals for my proposed work from the Borough of Freehold construction officials?

We are committed to making this program as simple as possible and helping you to get the required permits and approval quickly and easily. The Freehold Center Partnership and the Borough of Freehold are working together to make this program successful. All taxes must be current on the property both at the time of application and when the project is funded. We will help you qualify your project for any tax abatement that may be available

How do I apply?

Application must be made to the Partnership grant program prior to applications being filed with the Planning Board or building permits being applied for. Contact Jayne Carr, Executive Director, Freehold Center Partnership @ (732) 462-3584.

APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FREEHOLD CENTER PARTNERSHIP’S FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM:

APPLICANTS NAME:___________________________________________________

PROPERTY OWNER _________ BUSINESS OWNER ____________

BUSINESS NAME:______________________________________________________

BUSINESS STREET ADDRESS:___________________________________________

LOT:___________ BLOCK:______________ (tax map)

TAXES PAID TO DATE: YES:___________ NO:___________

ARCHITECT:_________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:____________________________________________________

PHONE:______________________________________________________

SCOPE OF WORK:______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

COST ESTIMATES: ARCHITECT:________________________________________

APPROVALS/PERMITS________________________________________

SIGN/AWNING:_______________________________________________

FAÇADE CONSTRUCTION:____________________________________

LEVEL OF FINANCING SOUGHT:

GRANT:____________________________________________

LOW INTEREST LOAN:______________________________

APPLICANTS WHO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR COMMITTEE REVIEW WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE COPIES (non-returnable) OF: ALL PERMITS APPLIED FOR, ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS (colored with intended colors to be used or with samples of colors), SIGN RENDERINGS AND ANY INTENDED LANDSCAPING PLANS.

PROPERTY OWNER SIGNATURE:_______________________________________

(Required signature on all applications)

BUSINESS OWNER SIGNATURE:________________________________________

(If making application)

RESTORE AMERICA GRANTS

Restore America: A Salute to Preservation is a partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Home & Garden Television (HGTV). In 2005 Restore America: A Salute to Preservation will focus on the revitalization of places where people live, through grants for residential projects. Nonprofit organizations and public agencies are invited to apply for grants. Approximately 6 to 12 grants will be awarded for projects such as rehabilitation of single family residences or adaptive use of historic buildings for housing, creation of upper-floor apartments in Main Street communities, or restoration of Save America's Treasures sites that continue to have a residential use.

To download the Restore America grant program guidelines and application form, go to http://www.nationaltrust.org/restore_america/ra_grants.html

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