City of Dunkirk Commercial Façade Improvement Program Application
This program is designed to stimulate private investment in the City of Dunkirk’s and expand economic opportunities for all Dunkirk’s residents.  The Commercial Façade Improvement Program’s main objective is to provide financial assistance for necessary rehabilitation/restoration of commercial buildings located within the City of Dunkirk’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area.  This program will be used as a tool to encourage revitalization of key commercial properties and to encourage development of vacant commercial properties. 

It is hoped that the Commercial Façade Improvement Program will create an attractive incentive for property owners/tenants who wish to rehabilitate the façade of their building in a manner that reflects the City of Dunkirk’s optimist regarding the economic direction of its future.

Eligible Properties
Commercial buildings within the City of Dunkirk will be eligible for reimbursement.

Eligible Activities
Projects eligible under this program will be limited to the primary facade of commercial buildings.  The primary is defined as the street-facing elevation of the building.  Eligible improvement activities shall include, but not limited to:
·         Window and door repair or replacement
·         Signage
·         Awning
·         Painting
·         Cornice and Soffit repair
·         Exterior wood, metal and masonry repair
·         Handicap Accessibility projects
·         Roof repairs on sloped roofs visible form a public street
·         Removal of modern façade improvements obscuring original architectural features

Funding
Funding for this program is derived from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and is subject to the eligibility and availability of this funding source.

Maximum Funding Amount
·         The Commercial Façade Improvement Program is in the form of a grant in the amount of 25% of the total project, not to exceed $15,000, and not to exceed an incentive of $1,000 per employee on site. 
·         The $1,000 per employee cap will be waived for any non-profit entity (i.e. Food pantry, medical center).
·         For a for-profit business, a 50% match of the total project will be available, not to exceed $15,000 for handicap accessibility projects.

Application Process
The applicant is required to submit in the enclosed application a letter of intent to the City of Dunkirk’s Department of Development.  The letter must describe:
·         The proposed work to be completed
·         An estimate of the cost (contractors proposal)
·         Photographs of the building areas proposed for improvement
·         Plans and specification and/or architectural drawings
·         Business certificate of the business occupying and operating in the building
·         Employment Summary (attached)
The application must provide proof of ownership.  If the property is under a long-term lease, permission of the owner or rights under the lease must be documented.  Applicants are encouraged to get at least two cost estimates for the proposed work.
Monies will be allocated for projects determined to be eligible on a first come-first served basis.  Date of postmark or date stamped delivery at the Department of Development will be considered the receipt date. 
Each proposal, after being determined to be complete by the Development of Dunkirk, will be submitted to the City of Dunkirk Economic Development Committee for final approval at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting.  Approvals will be made on a majority voice vote.
Applicants will be reimbursed after completion of the project upon receipt of documentation of expenses.

Program Guidelines
The façade and exterior of any new building addition shall be compatible with the architecture of the existing building façade.  A detailed description of the façade and exterior treatments of any new addition must accompany the application.
All construction must be in compliance with the City’s building codes and all other applicable laws and regulations including zoning laws, and if necessary, Planning Board approval.  The City of Dunkirk Department of Development may have the discretion to suggest design alternatives for any sign being used or to be used on any business or building being assisted under this program.  A sketch and detailed description, including dimensions, colors, materials and textures of signs to be used, must accompany the application.
Mixed use commercial buildings built prior to January 1, 1978, that have residential component (i.e. living unit above storefront) will be required to comply with all HUD regulations pertaining to the treatment of lead-based paint hazards.  A lead-based paint risk assessment should be undertaken.  Should lead-based paint hazards be indemnified, the scope of work for the rehabilitation activity shall include treatment of the lead-based paint hazards through the use of approved interim control or abatement measures as required by law.
Program participants agree to comply with the provisions of the Federal Davis-Bacon Act/Prevailing Wage, as amended, and HUD lead-based paint regulations, if applicable, in the selection, hiring, and payment of all contractors and subcontractors involved in their project.

Applications
 
Applications can be obtained either from the website or by visiting the City of Dunkirk Planning and Development Office at 338 Central Ave; Dunkirk. NY 14048 during normal business hours