Funds available for downtown façade improvements
Commercial spaces and those with mixed business and residential purposes within downtown Chambersburg are eligible for funding to give them a face-lift. In December 2019, Governor Tom Wolf announced that Downtown Chambersburg Inc. would receive money from a façade grant program. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Recipients of the funds originally had to be in a 3½-block area on Main Street between Falling Spring Creek and Washington Street, but the reach has been extended.
“This new batch of funding is for a larger geographic area,” said DCI President Sam Thrush.
The span now includes parts of Queen, King and 2nd streets, as well as Lincoln Way. Residential buildings are not eligible. A total of $50,000 is available for distribution, Thrush said.
Since 2020, almost $50,000 has been awarded for exterior improvements and signs, Thrush said. At least 10 properties have benefited from the monetary awards, which spurred at least $70,000 in downtown face-lifts.
Past recipients include MJ Squared, Beam Graphix Custom Print Co., The Capitol Theatre and Bistro 71, as well as the buildings housing Black & Blush Boutique and Merle Norman Cosmetics, plus the one at 19 S. Main St., Thrush said. Other beneficiaries include Council for the Arts, Ludwig’s Jewelers and Here’s Looking at You.
As part of the guidelines, applicants must acquire at least two quotes and, if they are dividing a project into specific aspects (such as wood restoration and painting), at least two quotes are needed for each. Those seeking funds also must file a land-use permit application with the Borough of Chambersburg.
DCI has a five-year contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, but the cycle for the facade grants is one year. Recipients, who are chosen by a committee, have a few months after receiving their funds to get their projects completed.
Applicants are responsible for filing a Land Use Permit Application with the Borough of Chambersburg. Please visit the Borough’s Land Use Department at 100 S. Second Street or click here. Your project may require a building permit from Pennsylvania Municipal Code Alliance. Please review your approved Land Use Permit for direction.
