For More Information:
William R. Steinhaus
Dutchess County Executive
(845) 486-2000
countyexec@co.dutchess.ny.us
Anne Saylor, Housing Coordinator
Dutchess County Planning and Development
(845) 486-3600
cdhousing@co.dutchess.ny.us
For Immediate Release
March 18, 1999
Beacon Facade Improvement Loans Announced
Poughkeepsie - Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus and City of Beacon Mayor Clara Lou Gould have announced the first funding awards under the City of Beacon's Facade Improvement Program.
The purpose of the program is to encourage private property owners to restore commercial storefronts on Main Street in Beacon. The program was developed and is administered by the county's Department of Planning and Development and is funded by monies from the City's Urban Development Action grant (UDAG) Program.
These first funding awards include $30,000 to the Dutchess Development Corporation for the redevelopment of four storefronts in four vacant buildings on the east end of Main Street and $16,250 to West End Development for three vacant storefronts in a single building on the west end of Main Street. All the buildings receiving Facade Improvement funds are also receiving County HOME funds as part of their redevelopment. The county's total commitment to these five properties is $540,000. Upon completion, these properties will contain seventeen apartments and seven commercial spaces.
Beacon Mayor Clara Lou Gould said, "Restoring
the lovely historic facades of storefronts is an important Main Street revitalization.
When Beacon offered facade improvement loans using UDAG revolving loan funds, we were
delighted that owners of two highly visible buildings applied and were qualified to
receive this assistance. The three West-end storefronts are among the first to be restored
and we hope will act as a catalyst and model for nearby properties. The four East-end
stores will continue the progress of the past few years in that area."
The County and City are currently reviewing the last funding round to
decide how to proceed with the implementation of the Beacon program into the future. The
availability of additional funds will be announced within the next few months.
In response to requests to expand this program county wide, the County
is investigating funding sources to expand the Facade Improvement Program throughout
Dutchess county.
-end-