Design

Before

The Design Committee oversees the South Side Gateway Project and the Design Challenge Grant program, also known as the “façade program.” The South Side Gateway Project is focused on creating an entrance into South Side from downtown that reflects neighborhood character and is welcoming to visitors and residents alike. This project is a part of the Design Committee’s five-year plan.

The Design Challenge Grant is a reimbursement grant available to residents and business owners who qualify as an incentive for private investment in exterior property improvements visible from the street. Funding is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) through the New Communities Program. The Design Challenge Grant Program is a competitive grant program that focuses on projects that have the highest visible impact for the neighborhood.

After

In addition to the grant funding from DCED, Citizens Savings Bank has generously committed to investing $5,000 in the Design Challenge Grant program.  These funds will be used to pay the 10% match requirement up to $500. These funds are only available for approved residential applicants whose income falls below 115% of the 2010-11 MSA (115% = $64,975) and whose property is entirely residential and owner occupied.

Thinking about applying? Here are some important eligibility requirements and grant details:

Eligible Applicants

Property must be within the South Side Revitalization Project Area.

Improvements must be external and visible from the street.

Property owner(s) must be current on their State, County, School District, and Local Municipal taxes.

Priority is given to properties that are owner-occupied.

Priority is also given to properties that are located on Cedar Avenue, Pittston Avenue and Prospect Avenue between Moosic Street and Birch Street.

Eligible Activities

Brick and Stone Masonry

Architectural Metals

Storefronts

Signage

Painting

Awnings

Lighting

Doors and Windows

Exterior Trim and Siding

Ineligible Activities

Landscaping

New Fences

Retaining Walls

Site Improvements

Paving

Parking Lots

Roofs

Sandblasting

The Design Challenge Grant is a “reimbursement” grant, meaning that grant funds are not awarded until after all work is completed and reviewed by the Design Committee. The grant maximum is $5,000. All grant recipients are required to contribute to the cost of the project based on their total project cost, income, and type of building. The Design Challenge Grant is a “scheduled” program, meaning that funding is not always available.