Eligible Applicants

The Commercial Program is a matching grant program up to $15,000 per building for commercial properties within designated, low-income target areas.

Businesses and Nonprofit organizations (except churches, fire departments and masonic lodges) are eligible to receive grant assitance.

Single and multiple family residential properties are not eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

Taxes - All property taxes including village, state, county and town must be current.
Matching Portion - The property owner must establish an escrow account with the bank of his/her choice. This is required after the property inspection and the cost estimate are completed by the Program Architect. Applicants are eligible to receive assistance only once. All work must be completed at one time.
Code Enforcement - The property must agree to an initial inspection by the Village or Town Code Enforcement Officer. The Property Owner must correct any reported interior code violations before any action will be taken on his/her application.

Eligible Activities - Only exterior improvements can be financed through the program (Activities can include: facade treatments and signs, structural improvements, window improvements, roofs and energy conservation measures.)
Design Work - Design of property owner's building facade will be prepared by Community Development. All design and architectural work will be paid for by Community Development.

Design - Community Development's on-staff architect will assist owners with design for their building. The owner must also folllow NYS Historic Preservation guidelines (if applicable) and all procedures as established by Community Development.

NOTE: All repairs and improvements must be in compliance with the State of New York, local municipality, and County of Onondaga Building Codes and zoning requirements.

Contractors - Community Development will send "Invitation to Bidders" to all contractors on the approved contractor list who are experienced in the construction activities applicable to the particular project.