City of Fitchburg CDBG-Funded
Sign and Facade Program Guidelines The Sign and Facade Program will
provide 70% reimbursement of the cost of a sign, awning or facade improvement,
up to a maximum of $2,000 for signs and awnings and $20,000 for selected facades
to owners or tenants of commercial properties located within the designated
slum and blight area as shown on the map entitled “City of Fitchburg Community
Development Block Grant Program Slums and Blight Designation”. This area
includes all of downtown and the major entrances to the city, including Water
Street, Lunenburg Street (to Linwood Street), River Street, and Westminster
Street (to Princeton Road).
 | The application fee is $500 per business for signs and awnings, and $1,000 for facades. The fee is credited to the owner’s match requirement. The application fee is forfeited if the project is approved and the owner fails to proceed. |
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| Eligible applications for signs and awnings will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications for facade grants will be accepted periodically, and will be chosen from eligible applications according to the perceived beneficial esthetic impact on the surrounding area and the extent of need of the building based on the exterior condition. |
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| The program will provide 70% reimbursement of all construction costs, up to a maximum of $2,000 for signs and awnings and $20,000 for selected facades. The application fee will count towards the applicant’s 30% share. |
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| All projects must comply with the city’s Design Review Guidelines, and improvements must be sensitive to the building’s architecture and surroundings. Architectural design assistance will be provided at no additional charge, and assistance with the Design Review approval process (if applicable) will be provided. |
Grant application - Print and return with the applicable fee. Call 978-345-1018 for assistance or questions.
This program is funded with a grant from the Community Development Block grant Program from the US Dept of HUD.