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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: 

  • Property owned is a commercial/mixed-use structure that is used in whole or part for service or commercial activities. 

  • 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   

  • 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. 

 

River to Rail District Boundaries_Parcel

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.

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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.

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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.

 

 

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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.

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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.

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This program was made possible by the Neighborhood Preservation Program.
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