2024 Essex Facade Improvement Grant Application

2024 Essex Façade Improvement Grant

APPLICATION
INSTRUCTIONS: Applicants must input the information below and upload all documents, photographs, and required documents. Incomplete applications will be returned.

Applications must be submitted by FRIDAY, May 24, 2024, at 5:00 PM.

HAVE QUESTIONS? NEED ASSISTANCE COMPLETEING THE APPLICATION? Contact Chrissy Erb, Executive Director, Essex Community Development Corporation, at 443-579-7974 or chrissy.erb@chesapeakechamber.org.

About the Grant

The 2024 Essex Façade Improvement Grant aims to stimulate investment in and improvements to building frontages in the Essex contributing to the economic vitality of the area. The goal is to create an attractive and inviting commercial/retail area that encourages regular use by residents and visitors. This program is funded by a Community Legacy Grant from Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development and a Facade Improvement Grant from Baltimore County's Department of Planning.

Through this grant, funding is being provided to business owners and/or property owners to cover costs associated with approved exterior renovations. Funding is limited. Applications will be reviewed by a designated panel and funding will be awarded based on applicant eligibility and project quality.

Eligibility
- Owners of commercial/retail properties located in the Essex Sustainable Communiy Area.
- Business owners/Non-profits leasing space in commercial/retail properties located in the Essex Sustainable Community Area.
- Only one Essex Façade Improvement Grant can be awarded per business/non-profit location and/or property owner per year.
Requirements
- Applicants must be licensed/registered to do business in the State of Maryland and be in good standing.
- Funds must be used for exterior improvements only.
- Work must be done on street elevations visible from public spaces or parking lots.
- Funding is provided through partial reimbursement to applicants and direct payments to contractors who are completing improvements on an approved property/building.
Conformance

All improvements must conform to the Baltimore County building codes, zoning regulations, and/or public accessibility requirements, the Maryland Historic Trust (if applicable), and to criteria developed for this program.

All development plans for Essex also must be submitted, reviewed, and approved by Baltimore County’s Design Review Panel.

All appropriate permits and other approvals must be obtained by the applicant prior to and throughout the construction process.

All work must be completed by licensed and insured professionals.
Business/Non-profit Information
Legal Name of Business/Non-profit*
Trade Name/DBA (if different than above)
Business/Non-profit Tax ID Number*
Business Owner/Non-profit Leader Name*

First NameLast Name
Business Owner/Non-profit Leader Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Business Owner/Non-profit Leader Email*
example@example.com
Business/Non-profit Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Applicant Information

(If different than Business Owner/Non-profit Leader)
Applicant Name

First NameLast Name
Applicant Title/Position in Business/Non-profit
Applicant Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Applicant Email Address
example@example.com
Project Details
Project Description: Provide a short description of the improvements you plan to make (up to 200 characters).*
Total Estimated Project Cost*
Amount Requested from Essex Façade Improvement Grant*
Amount Covered by Other Sources (if applicable)
Indicate source/s of any additional funding needed to complete this project (if applicable)
Person/Company Name and Amount
Estimated Project Start Date*
Estimated Project Completion Date*
Required Documents/Uploads
PHOTOGRAPHS: Upload photographs of the existing property making sure to include images of the area that will be upgraded/changed through this project.*

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DRAWINGS: Upload drawings, sketches, or mock-ups - or professional architectural renderings including elevation - of the proposed improvements.*

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CONTRACT BIDS/ESTIMATES: Upload two (2) itemized estimates for proposed work by licensed and insured contractors.*

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MATERIALS: List types of building materials to be used for the improvements, and proposed colors.*
CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE: Provide a current copy of your Business's/Non-profit's Certificate of Insurance.*

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LETTER OF PERMISSION (if applicable): If Business Owner/Non-profit Leader and Property Owner are different, provide a signed Letter of Permission from Property Owner.

For a Sample Letter of Permission, see the Essex Façade Improvement Grant Description on the Essex CDC website at www.essexcdc.org.
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Signature and Submission

Review and Sign Below
I/we certify that all information provided in this application is accurate and that I/we will complete the 2024 Essex Façade Improvement Grant in accordance with plans approved by Baltimore County Department of Planning. I/we will begin construction on improvements ONLY AFTER the application has been review and approved by both the panel and the Baltimore County Design Review Panel (Department of Planning). Upon notification that the project is approved, I/we will sign a Participation Agreement authorizing Essex Community Development Corporation to encumber funds for my/our project and stipulating that I/we will abide by all program requirements. I/we further agree, upon completion of the improvements, to maintain the completed project. I/we understand there will be no alterations made to the completed work for a period of two (2) years without approval from Essex Community Development Corporation.*

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2024 Essex Façade Improvement Grant

Business/Non-profit Information

Applicant Information

Project Details

Required Documents/Uploads

Signature and Submission