Suffolk Offers Grants For Downtown Revitalization Projects

Sachem area organizations seeking funding for downtown revitalization projects now have an opportunity to tap into $250,000 being offered by Suffolk County.

County Executive Steve Bellone and the County’s Downtown Revitalization Citizens Advistory Panel announced that applications for “Round 11” of Downtown Revitalization Grants are now available. Funding can be used for capital projects in or adjacent to downtown areas on municipally-owned property.

According to officials, applicants must be organizations that represent a downtown area and who partner with their local municipality. Towns or villages who partner with a community organization are required to pass resolutions supporting the project on which the two entities partner. Projects must be capital in nature and have a significant and sustainable impact that enhances economic activity. 

“Providing grant funding through this program encourages local organizations to partner with their municipality and find ways to enhance public lands, improve the vitality of business districts, and contribute to walkable communities and bustling downtowns,” said Bellone. 

Among the kinds of projects that are eligible for grants are:
· Public Parking Facilities
· Curb and sidewalk construction
· Pedestrian walkways
· Street lighting
· Public Restrooms
· Disabled accessibility
· Renovations to existing structures
· Cultural facilities  

The Downtown Revitalization Citizens Advisory Panel utilizes a point system to evaluate each application to ensure projects that receive funding will make the greatest contribution to the long-term improvement of local downtown business districts and have a positive economic impact on Suffolk County as a whole.  

Instructions and applications can be found at: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Portals/0/INSTRUCTIONS.pdf  

Application link: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Portals/0/Downtown%20Grant%20APPLICATION.pdf

Applications are due by the 4:30 p.m. on June 14.