Garfield's River to Rail Business District
Commercial Rehabilitation Enhancement Grant Program
For building and business owners within the “River to Rail” Neighborhood District
The Garfield River to Rail Neighborhood District and the City of Garfield in partnership with Greater Bergen Community Action are excited to offer four grant opportunities to
help create a vibrant downtown business district.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Building and Business owners with property within the “River to Rail” Neighborhood boundaries may be eligible if:
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Property owned is a commercial/mixed-use structure that is used in whole or part for service or commercial activities.
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Tenant of commercial/mixed-use structure that is used in whole or part for service or commercial activities has lease of more than one year in length
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Projects must follow the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) Storefront and Facade Design Guidelines and must not be started until after receiving necessary approvals.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NPP STOREFRONT AND FACADE DESIGN GUIDELINES.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A MAP OF THE
RIVER TO RAIL NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT
ELIGIBLE COSTS
The program will fund projects that significantly improve the visual appearance of the property from the street.
Eligible items include but are not limited to uncovering and restoring historical facades/storefronts, signage and awnings, historical architectural elements and more.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A COMPLETE LIST OF ELIGIBLE COSTS, INELIGIBLE COSTS AND OTHER GRANT REQUIREMENTS
BUILDING AND BUSINESS OWNERS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR FOUR CATEGORIES OF GRANT FUNDING.
Commercial/Mixed Use Rehabilitation Grant
Use
Storefront and facade improvements
Amount
Up to $10,000 per property
(More than $5,000 will require a one-to-one match
for every dollar up to $10,000.)
Method of Payment
Up to 50% advanced to contractor at the start of project, and balance paid at project completion.
Those who apply for the Commercial/Mixed Use Rehabilitation Grant will not be eligible for Materials, Visual Merchandising or ADA grants listed below.
Commercial/Mixed Use
Materials Grant
Use
For materials used for less complicated storefront improvements (i.e., paint, primer, brushes, new doors, windows, lights, signage). Labor costs not covered.
Amount
$1,000 per property
Method of Payment
Reimbursed at project completion, receipts required.
Those who apply for Materials, Visual Merchandising or ADA grant funding can apply for all three, however they are not eligible for the Rehabilitation grant.
Commercial/Mixed Use Visual Merchandising Grant
Use
For materials to enhance the exterior visual merchandising of business storefronts (seasonal displays, enhanced lighting, transparent glass, signage, art elements).
Amount
$1,000 per property
Method of Payment
Reimbursed at project completion, receipts required.
Those who apply for Materials, Visual Merchandising or ADA grant funding can apply for all three, however they are not eligible for the Rehabilitation grant.
Commercial/Mixed Use
ADA Access Grant
Use
For costs associated with removing barriers and upgrading storefronts to become Americans with Disabilities Act compliant (i.e. entrance step, installing ramp, widening door width).
Amount
$1,000 per property
Method of Payment
Reimbursed at project completion, receipts required.
Those who apply for Materials, Visual Merchandising or ADA grant funding can apply for all three, however they are not eligible for the Rehabilitation grant.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2024.
A separate application is required for each grant category.
HOW TO APPLY
1. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION.
2. Complete a separate application for each grant category to which you are applying.
3. Submit the application(s) and supporting documents using this form and someone will contact you within 5 business days.
Supporting Documents
1. The application from an owner should include a copy of the building deed, or land contract. An application from a tenant must include a copy of the lease and written approval from the building owner.
2. All applications must include photographs of the facades and/or storefronts to be improved.
3. If the application is conditionally approved, the owner/tenant will be required to prepare and submit cost estimates and drawings of the proposed work, to obtain final approval.