Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Sunday, 29 January 2017 01:48

The Charleroi Design Committee, operating in conjunction with the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (MVRCC), will continue its façade improvement program to assist business and property owners in Charleroi.

The façade at Studio K at 329 Fallowfield Avenue was enhanced with money from the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Charleroi Façade Improvement Program.

The Phase IV portion of this program is focused on improving the appearance of the facades of commercial buildings in the Borough and leverages private dollars by reimbursing the property owner for half of their project cost.

The funding for the program was applied for by the Chamber through the Washington County Local Share Account (created by gaming revenues). The review committee, chaired by Washington County Chamber President Jeff Kotula, recommended the project to the Washington County Commissioners for approval on December 15. In the first three phases of the grant program, the Chamber distributed $146, 226.21, representing $320,159.01 in facade improvements to 44 properties within the community. The new award is for $65,000 and will be ready to allocate via grants in mid 2017.

The program is designed:
• To stimulate investment, sales and other economic activities.
• To enhance the existing character of the buildings.
• To promote the image of the business district as a strong economic entity.
• To encourage preventive maintenance and proper repair of the buildings and storefronts.
• To increase property values in the Borough of Charleroi.
• To encourage new businesses to locate in the business district.

The Design Committee will approve a maximum grant amount of $5,000 per property. The minimum grant is $1,000 per property, i.e. there must be at least $2,000 investment.

Eligible grant activities must be reviewed and approved by the design committee and applicants must show proof of payment to their contractors and suppliers to be reimbursed under the grant guidelines.

Guidelines and application can be emailed by request to debbiek@mvrchamber.org or by calling 724-483-3507. Deb Keefer, Chamber Director, is the grant administrator, and Debbie Buck is the design committee chairman.