building & faÇade improvement program micro-grant guidelines & application · all eligible...

BUILDING & FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Micro-Grant Guidelines & Application

B u f f a l o A v e n u e H e r i t a g e D i s t r i c t R e v i t a l i z a t i o n S t r a t e g y

Buffalo Avenue Heritage District BUILDING & FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Micro-Grant Guidelines & Application

USA Niagara Development Corporation

City of Niagara Falls

Purpose

This program, jointly funded by the City of Niagara Falls and the USA Niagara Development

Corporation, is intended to stabilize existing structures in the Buffalo Avenue Heritage

District by providing financial assistance to property owners and business operators. The

goal of the micro-grant program is to first bring the exterior of the buildings in the Buffalo

Avenue Heritage District up to code through building improvements, and then to enhance

the look of the neighborhood through façade improvements.

Program Details

A matching grant of up to $10,000 will be provided for projects including, but not limited to:

How to Qualify The applicant must be the owner of the property or have the property owner’s written

approval. Residential properties must be owner-occupied.

All property tax payments must be current.

The exterior of the building must be up to code. If the building exterior is not up to

code the homeowner should apply for micro-grant funds to correct any violations.

Façade improvement funding may be sought at the same time, but reimbursement will

not be provided unless the exterior code violations are properly corrected.

All submitted applications will be reviewed by City and USAN staff, who reserve the right to reject any and all

applications received. Following an internal review of the micro-grant application, a Letter of Commitment will be sent

from USA Niagara/the City of Niagara Falls to confirm financial commitment to the project.

Guidelines Page 1 of 2

Building Improvements Façade Improvements

Restoration and/or replacement

of exterior building features—

roofs, porches, steps, clapboard/

stucco, windows, etc.

Incorporation of exterior visual/landscape

amenities that add to the visitor and/or patron

experience—landscaped courtyards, exterior

sitting areas, gazebos, etc.

Repair/installation of site improvements—

decorative fencing, retaining walls, driveways,

parking areas, etc.

Painting the exterior of the building

Distribution of Grant Monies

Work begun prior to being awarded a grant is not eligible for reimbursement.

These are 1:1 matching grants. No more than 50% of the total cost of the project will be reimbursed from the grant.

The monies are distributed via reimbursement. All eligible work must be completed according to information submitted in the original application. Vendor invoices must be returned along with verification of payment from the business or home owner.

Following an inspection by the City of Niagara Falls that ensures the work has been completed satisfactorily, a grant check will be issued.

If the micro-grant is approved for the full amount ($10,000), the monies may be distributed in two $5,000 draws following a written request to the City of Niagara Falls.

Important Information

1. All work must be done in compliance with all applicable City and State codes/ordinances.

2. Compliance with the intent of the Design Standards and the Buffalo Avenue Revitalization

Strategy will be determined by a staff review and sign-off of the proposed improvements.

3. A sketch of the proposed improvements must be submitted showing the colors, materials,

awnings and other relevant information. The City and State reserve the right to reject or modify

applications that are inappropriate.

4. In cases where the applicant hires a contractor, plumber and/or electrician to complete the

work, that person or firm must be licensed and registered with the City of Niagara Falls.

5. For residential projects, the City will file a deed restriction on the property. If the property is sold

within a five year period, the grant must be paid back to the City on the following schedule:

within one (1) year: 100% payback; within two (2) years: 80% payback; within three (3) years:

60% payback; within four (4) years: 40% payback; within five (5) years: 20% payback.

6. In those instances where a building is of historic significance (i.e. it has been listed as a local

landmark, is listed or is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places), the

Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (see attached), as well as Guidelines for

Rehabilitating Historic Buildings will apply.

7. The City and USAN reserve the right to offer awards in different amounts and under different

terms than contained herein.

8. The City and USAN reserve the right to reject and all applications at their sole discretion.

All projects are given 90 days to complete the work. If a project is going to take longer than 90 days, it is the

applicant’s responsibility to contact the City of Niagara Falls to ask in writing for an extension beyond the 90 day time

period. If an applicant does not ask for an extension before the 90 day time period ends, the grant may not be issued.

Guidelines Page 2 of 2

Application Process

Step 1: Make sure the building is located in the eligible area within the Buffalo Avenue Heritage

District (see the map on the following page)

Step 2: Determine whether the project will be for building improvement or façade improvement

(remember that building improvements must be completed before façade improvement

work may begin, however, a single grant may provide for both improvements.)

Step 3: Download and review the Buffalo Avenue Heritage District Design Guidelines from

www.usaniagara.com.

If the building is of historic significance, review the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for

Rehabilitation (see Important Information below and attachment) and the Guidelines for

Rehabilitating Historic Buildings (http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/TPS/tax/rhb/stand.htm).

Ensure that the project proposal is consistent with the required guidelines. Applicant can

get help with this from USA Niagara by calling (716) 284-2556.

Step 4: Gather required materials:

Photos of the building to be improved and of adjacent properties

A sketch or rendering of the proposed finished façade if applicable

Copies of all cost estimates involved with the project; a minimum of two estimates is

required

Proof of property ownership or copy of lease with property owner consent

Proof that taxes are paid and current (this can be obtained at Room 109 of City Hall, 745

Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY)

Step 5: Fill out the Application in this packet, attach all required materials

Step 6: Sign and notarize Applicant Affirmation (page 3 of the application)

Step 7: Submit complete application to USA Niagara Development Corporation, 222 First St, 7th

Floor, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

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Map Page 1 of 1

Buffalo Avenue Heritage District BUILDING & FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Micro Grant Application page 1

Please fill out the application completely and submit it along with applicable documents to USA Niagara Development Corporation, 222 First Street, 7th Floor, Niagara Falls, NY 14303.

Applicant Information

Name _____________________________________________________________________________

Property Address _____________________________________________________________________________

Business Name (if applicable)

_____________________________________________________________________________

Business Mailing Address (if applicable)

_____________________________________________________________________________

Daytime Phone Number _____________________________________________________________________________

Project type (choose one)

□ Building improvements □ Façade improvement

Project Description _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Total Project Cost $ ______________

Amount Requested $ ______________

□ Proof of property ownership (use attached sheet) Checklist

All items must be attached to your

application

□ Proof that taxes are paid and current

□ Detailed description of the work to be completed

□ Photos of building to be improved, and of adjacent properties

□ Copies of a minimum of two (2) contractor bids with all cost estimates involved with the project (use attached sheet and submit copies of the estimates)

Application Page 1 of 3



Bid/Estimate Information Note: Please attach all bids/estimates to this application

Description of work: ____________________________________________

Bid # 1: Submitted by ____________________________________________ Amount $________________











Please CIRCLE which bid you prefer for each description of work listed above

Note: Proof of payment (invoices and receipts) and documentation that the work has been completed are required for reimbursement after project completion.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Property Owner Information (if applicant is a tenant)

Property Owner Name ___________________________________________________________________

Property Owner Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________________

Property Owner Daytime Phone Number

___________________________________________________________________

*The property owner must sign and notarize the form on page 3 of the application


Applicant Affirmation

_____________________________, being duly sworn, states that upon information and belief, I have honestly solicited all bids and estimates recorded herein; I have not colluded with any contractor herein to represent a higher price than is reasonable and fair; If I am applying for a façade improvement grant, the building in question is in good structural condition, and does not violate any exterior building codes; All answers given on this grant application are true and accurate; All information contained in supporting attached documents is true and accurate; I fully understand that the foregoing statements and answers are submitted under oath and that failure to answer any question, or to make a full and accurate disclosure of any facts or information called for herein, may result in the disqualification of my micro-grant application and/or refund of an grant proceeds I may have received. Signed _______________________________________________________ Date______________ (print name below) Sworn to before me this day of , 20____ _________________________ _________________________ Notary Public Stamp _________________________________________________________________________________________________ If applicant is a tenant: As the legal owner of the above property, I hereby grant authorization to complete the improvements indicated on this application Property Owner Signature _______________________________________________ Date _________________ (print name below) Sworn to before me this day of , 20____ __________________________ _________________________ Notary Public Stamp




The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (Department of Interior Regulations under 36 CFR 67) pertain to

historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes, and occupancy and encompass the exterior and the interior, related

landscape features and the building's site and environment as well as attached, adjacent, or related new construction. The

Standards are to be applied to specific rehabilitation projects in a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and

technical feasibility.

The Department has developed a document entitled Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings to help property

owners, developers, and Federal managers apply the Secretary of the Interior's Standards during the project planning stage by

providing general design and technical recommendations. Unlike the Standards, the Guidelines are not codified as program

requirements. Access to these guidelines is available on the National Park Service website at:

http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/tax/rhb/index.htm

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation

1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining

characteristics of the building and its site and environment.

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of

features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of

historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be

undertaken.

4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained

and preserved.

5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be

preserved.

6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires

replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities

and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial

evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface

cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.

8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be

disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the

property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and

architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the

future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.


Attachment: The Secretary of The Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation

Attachment Page 1 of 1

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