BIDDEFORD — Improving the look of Biddeford downtown will attract more businesses and visitors to the area, according to the Heart of Biddeford’s executive director.
That’s why the Maine Street Makeover program is providing beautification matching grants to downtown businesses.
On Sept. 16, city council approved expending $60,000 in Tax Increment Financing district funds on projects that will improve building facades.
The purpose of the program “is to provide financial assistance to downtown businesses and property owners who wish to make physical improvements to the exterior of their building,” according to a memo from Biddeford Economic Development Director Daniel Stevenson.
Funds from the Maine Street Makeover “will support existing businesses to put on their best face,” said Delilah Poupore, executive director of the downtown revitalization organization Heart of Biddeford.
A business or property owner can apply for up to $15,000 for a project. The winners must match the award dollar for dollar.
The Heart of Biddeford and the Department of Economic & Community Development, in partnership with the Historic Preservation Commission, will administer the program.
There have been two other façade programs in Biddeford. Since 2006, the programs have assisted 24 participants.
Tammy Ackerman, co-owner of Franklin Street Art Space at 41 Franklin St., was awarded a $5,000 grant in one of the earlier programs. She used the money to pay for windows on the first floor of the building.
“It’s always nice to get free money,” Ackerman said in an earlier interview with the Journal Tribune.
Although money can get used up pretty quickly when renovating, “Any little bit helps,” said Ackerman. “It’s $5,000 we didn’t have to spend.”
Projects within the downtown district will be eligible for the grants.
Grant applications are due Oct. 18, and awards will be made within two weeks after that.
If grant money is leftover, other projects will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis, although a property that has received grant funds must wait 90 days to be eligible for additional funds.
Grant applications may be picked up at the Heart of Biddeford office at 205 Main St. or by emailing [email protected]. For more information, call 284-8520.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or [email protected].
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