The deadline for businesses to apply for the Ogden Avenue Site Improvement Grant Program has been extended through the end of the calendar year.
The program, which offers private property and business owners reimbursements to help pay for signage, landscaping, building façade and access improvements, has about $9,500 in funds left to be awarded. The City first opened the program in August to interested businesses to award a total of $50,000 that had been allocated for grants for Fiscal Year 2012 – 2013.
A second application phase began in early October, and it has since been extended.
Applications, which can be found on the City’s website at www.naperville.il.us/ogdengrant.aspx, will be due to the City by 5PM on Monday, December 31.
The program is offered to owners and tenants of commercial property along Ogden Avenue between Washington Street and Naper Boulevard. Applications for the Ogden Avenue Site Improvement Grant, as well as other program information and requirements, are available online at www.naperville.il.us/ogdengrant.aspx. Printed copies of the application may also be obtained at the Development Services Counter of the Transportation, Engineering and Development Business Group located on the main floor of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
Applications accepted first-come, first-served
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the deadline; however, the application process may close at any time if all funds are awarded.
The purpose of the grant program is to provide incentives to property owners and tenants for site improvements that will increase business profitability while creating an attractive shopping atmosphere for the community. Approved projects will entitle business owners to receive a funding grant for up to the maximum grant award, or 50 percent of the project cost, whichever is less. Maximum award eligibility depends on the scope and impact of the project, and all grants are reimbursed after construction is complete. Improvements can include a variety of projects such as awning and canopy replacements, exterior renovations, signage improvements, landscaping, parking lot reconstruction, access improvements and others.
Once submitted, the applications will be reviewed and ranked by the Ogden Avenue Oversight Advisory Committee and the Planning Services Team. A letter will be mailed to those individuals awarded grants.
