About the Program
Mt. Prospect Partnership (MPP) is the designated District Management Corporation for the Mt. Prospect Avenue Neighborhood Improvement District. MPP manages the vibrant Mt. Prospect business district and historic North Ward of Newark, New Jersey. Mt. Prospect Partnership serves as the catalyst for revitalization of the district, laying the groundwork to support the area's economic revival. MPP is a coalition of business owners, community organizations and residents dedicated to facilitating the continuation and enhancement of a stable and healthy neighborhood.
Established in 2007, MPP's programs and services produce services, events and projects with high visibility and high impact. Our sanitation and maintenance services help maintain a safe and appealing district with clean streets and sidewalks. Our placemaking and beautification efforts include seasonal plantings and street pole banners that enhance the beauty and identity of the district while our events gather our community. Lastly, MPP is dedicated to making physical improvements to increase the safety and ease of access for pedestrians through the district. The Storefront Improvement Grant Program is intended to encourage investment resulting in physical improvements within the Mt. Prospect commercial district.
Program Funding Source
The program is funded through the Mt. Prospect Avenue Neighborhood Improvement District and with funds provided by the City of Newark Department of Economic & Housing Development Neighborhood Improvement Grant.
Eligibility Guidelines
The following criteria will be used to determine whether an applicant is eligible for a storefront improvement grant:
A. Area Eligibility:
Projects must be located within the Mt. Prospect Avenue Neighborhood Improvement District.
B. Types of Businesses
1. Commercial establishments (retail only).
2. Service establishments to include:
a. Professional services (i.e. doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects, etc.);
b. Personal services (i.e. dry cleaners, laundromats, barber & beauty shops, etc.);
c. Certain repair services (i.e. office equipment, radio/television, bicycle, furniture, locksmith, etc.); and
d. Business services (i.e. advertising, office management, printing, etc.).
Banks, savings and loan associations, gas and auto service stations, new and used car dealerships and stand-alone "chain" stores are not eligible for this program.
Eligible Work
Exterior building improvements based on an approved work plan which can include: signage, awnings, storefront lighting, windows, painting, etc.
Application Review
Projects will be judged on a project by project basis by the Mt. Prospect Partnership Staff and Board of Trustees, who will meet monthly to review applications.
Notification
MPP will relay application approvals, denials, or requests for changes to the contact person, phone and/or email provided within a timely manner. The MPP reserves the right to (a) reject any and all applications and (b) announce all grant commitments publicly.
Grant Parameters
A. Grant Size: Up to 75% or $5,000.00 maximum for eligible improvements. The grant agreement can be with the property owner or the tenant of the property (tenants must secure the property owners agreement to access this program).
B. Fees: There are no fees to participate in this program.
C. The application must be completed and approved with work being completed no later than 120 days from application approval.
Waiver of Provisions
The Board of Trustees of the MPP may waive certain provisions of these guidelines based on a determination of the private and public benefits of the project.
Application Process
STEP 1: Property owner or tenant submits Storefront Improvement Grant application to the MPP with photograph(s) of building, copy of current occupancy permit, description of proposed improvements and written cost estimates.
STEP 2: MPP will review the submitted requested improvements. Review may include a design consultation with MPP staff or their agent. If the proposal is acceptable, the MPP will provide a commitment letter to the applicant within seven business days.
STEP 3: Upon the applicant signing and returning the commitment letter, MPP will make a deposit directly to the vendor/contractor (for a maximum of 75% of project costs. Deposit not to exceed ($5,000) and work may begin. *All required permits and inspections are the responsibility of the applicant/contractor. MPP will monitor the progress of the building improvements.
NOTE: THE MPP WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY WORK THAT HAS BEEN COMPLETED PRIOR TO A STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT GRANT COMMITMENT LETTER BEING EXECUTED.
STEP 4: Upon installation or completion of work and all required city inspections have been completed, MPP will pay any remaining commitments of the 75% grant, again not to exceed the program maximum of $5,000.
Additional Information
Mt. Prospect Partnership does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation or national origin. No person, solely on the basis of any of the above factors, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under the grant programs operated by the Mt. Prospect Partnership.
IMPORTANT: Design Guidelines
Before beginning your storefront improvement projects, be sure to consult the Storefront Design Guidelines provided on behalf of this program. The guidelines provided adhere to the City of Newak Zoning ordinances specifically for the Mt. Prospect Avenue Neighborhood Improvement Distict. Access the Design Guidlines booklet here.
For additional information, please contact Danielle Russell at danielle@publicspaces.com