(L-) Anthony Rix and Mina and Prob Reshamwala speak with Peter Miller, director of Community Development about the Restore Westfield Façade Improvement program on Tuesday. (Photo by Lynn F. Boscher)
WESTFIELD – Before the Restore Westfield informational meeting on Tuesday for businesses interested in receiving Community Development Block Grant funds, Kailee Valliere of Vivid Hair Salon and Spa at 99 Elm Street said she was asked to come and pick up an application for the owner, Basia Belz.
“She wants to restore the outside and update the doors and windows,” Valliere said, adding this was the business’ third time applying for a grant.
The Restore Downtown Façade Improvement program is targeted to storefront businesses in the Gaslight District on portions of Elm Street, Main Street, Franklin Street and parts of some adjoining streets. The program will provide technical and financial assistance to property owners and/or business tenants seeking to renovate their exterior lighting, signage or commercial facades. The CDBG program is funded by the federal Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD).
Peter J. Miller, Director of Development, told the six or so businesses represented at the meeting that this time around the city is looking to fund projects to complete in a fairly quick manner, as they are on a deadline to spend down a surplus in CDBG funds by May 1.
“Our goal will be to do the most impactful projects that we can,” Miller said. He mentioned signage, paint, things that would improve the exterior of the businesses.
Flipping through a Powerpoint presentation, Miller said there is a total of $80,000 earmarked for the program, with a maximum grant of $20,000. A 65/35 matching grant is required from the businesses that participate. For example, if a total project costs $10,000, the grant would cover $6,500, and the business would match $3,500.
“We are looking to incentivize people by upkeeping facades and businesses,” Miller said, adding that, “as with any federal program, there are strings attached.”
The downtown area received the money due to the census showing residents in that part of the city with less than 80% of median income, according to Miller. Businesses that apply for a grant must demonstrate that they will create a job or retain jobs through the program. Or, if they have five or fewer employees, that half of them are low income, earning $40,000 or less annually.
Projects that spend more than $2,000 in labor must also follow Davis Bacon guidelines which require prevailing wage and fair labor practices, and paying laborers weekly. Miller said this guideline may have businesses paying twice as much for labor as they normally would. He also said that he, as the certifying officer for the program, would visit the work site and speak to the contractors to ensure compliance.
Other guidelines involve a historical review of any modifications, as well as a Section 504 accessibility review. Miller said the city would work with the businesses on meeting the requirements of the grant. The deadline for applications is November 1, with a 20-30 day evaluation period to follow.
Peter J. Miller, Westfield Director of Community Development, explains the Restore Westfield Façade Improvement program to businesses at an informational meeting on Tuesday. (Photo by Lynn F. Boscher)
Miller said businesses are responsible for doing the bids, reviewing quotes and maintaining project oversight.
Prob and Mina Reshamwala of Mina’s Wine & Spirits and the Tobacco Barn at 52 Elm Street said they were hoping to restore the brick façade of their building, which is loose in some places.
“I’m trying to do the whole project. I’ve had it on my mind for a long time,” said Prob Reshamwala.
Anthony Rix, a financial planner with a business at 166 Elm Street, said his brick building also needs repointing, and his second story windows need replacing.
“I’m going to try,” Rix said, about going for the grant. “I have to do this work anyway.”
Both Rix and the Reshamwalas said they are also hoping to get some help on their back entrances, something Miller said could be considered in the project review.
Some of the other businesses at the meeting included Fast Feet at 231 Elm Street, and The Good Table at 12 School Street.
Miller said he was pleased with the response to date on the program.
“Having a group of people out shows we have a good number who really want to improve their properties,” he said.
Program guidelines and applications are available on the City’s website at www.cityofwestfield.org, by calling the Office of Community Development at (413) 572-6246 or by emailing Peter Miller at [email protected].
Completed applications will be due back to the Office of Community Development by 4:00 pm on November 1, 2016. No late applications will be accepted.
