Small Project Fund Interest Form

Do you own a business or property in the Hamlet of Keeseville's NY Forward program boundary (below)?

Do you have a building or business in need of smaller-scale improvements such as interior and exterior renovations or permanent equipment acqusition?

 

The Small Project Fund is a type of NY Forward project that could help fund a range of improvements in a downtown, such as building improvements (e.g., facades, interior fit-out, HVAC, etc.), business assistance (e.g., permanent equipment acquisition), or public art.

For the Small Project Fund to be included in the slate of proposed NY Forward projects submitted to the State, it is important to document interest in it. The Hamlet of Keeseville is seeking letters of interest from business and/or property owners to show that there are property and/or business owners interested in participating in this program.

However, submitting a letter of interest does not guarantee that a community will apply for a Small Project Fund as part of NY Forward. The project sponsor (e.g., the municipality or business improvement district) will also have to demonstrate interest and capacity to implement a Small Project Fund. Additional information about eligibility and requirements for the Small Project Fund can be found on Page 2.

Please use the following Letter of Interest template to submit interest to Melia Hema at mhema@mjteam.com by

Friday, July 25th at 12:00 PM 

 

Letters of interest received after this time will not be considered.

Eligible activities include:

• Interior and exterior building renovations for commercial and mixed-use spaces, e.g. façade/ storefront renovations, permanently affixed signage and awnings, commercial interior fit-out, HVAC, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing, and other permanent building improvements
• Upper-story residential improvements
• Business assistance / permanent commercial machinery and equipment
• Soft costs - architecture, engineering, and environmental review services as related to the
  improvements
• Public art

Ineligible activities include:

• Property acquisition
• Deferred maintenance or general repairs
• Working capital
• Landscaping
• Improvements to municipally owned or operated buildings
• Participant, participant’s family, or participant’s staff labor

Conditions

• The minimum match requirement is 25% of the total project cost meaning the business and/or
  property owner may receive reimbursement up to 75% of total eligible costs.
• This is a reimbursement program meaning that property or business owners must complete their
  projects (complete project scope, pay all contractors in full, and submit invoices and proof of
  payment) before receiving any reimbursement.
• Project awards are generally between $25,000 and $100,000 per building/project, with the grant
  request not to exceed 75% of the total eligible project cost

 

Letter of Interest Instructions

If you are interested in submitting a letter of interest for a small project, please review the contents on the following pages and fill in the boxes with the information specific to your project. Submitting this letter of interest will serve as demonstration of demand for a Small Project Fund.

Questions regarding the Small Project fund can be directed to Melia Hema at
mhema@mjteam.com

To the Hamlet of Keeseville Local Planning Committee, 

I am writing to confirm my interest in participating in the Hamlet of Keeseville's Small Project Fund.

 

I understand the submittal of this letter of interest does not guarantee funding, and I will be required to submit an application to the administering entity of the Fund, if the project is selected for funding through NY Forward.

For which I understand I would be eligible for a maximum reimbursement of up to 75% of the total eligible costs. I understand that deferred maintenance and general repairs are not eligible improvements. Additionally, if awarded, I understand that upon completion of the proposed scope of work, this project will result in a finished space ready for occupancy. I also understand that this is a reimbursement program, meaning I must complete all the work in the approved project scope, pay all contractors in full, and submit invoices and proof of payment before receiving the grant. 

Without the reimbursement to defray 75% of the project cost, I will be unable to permanently commit this amount of money toward the costs of these improvements.

I realize that to be eligible for these funds, I will need to undertake these improvements in cooperation with the Towns of Ausable and Chesterfield design guidelines and building and zoning codes, as applicable, State procurement and environmental requirements, and complete the work in a timely manner, within 36 months of the State’s grant announcement.