Lewis County’s downtown districts and public spaces hold central importance for community gatherings, special events, and the success of small businesses. The Façade & Streetscape Improvement Program aims to revitalize the historic character and attractiveness of villages and hamlets in Lewis County through public and private investment. To encourage and advance revitalization efforts, this program will provide 75/25 matching funds for eligible improvements to mixed-use and commercial buildings and streetscape enhancements in Lewis County’s villages and hamlets. Together, these improvements will help business growth and retention, enhance tourism, increase spending in the local economy, and reduce the number of blighted and vacant properties.

The program will provide up to 75% in funding for eligible projects with a 25% match requirement.

Project Eligibility:

• Property owners, non-profits, and businesses with mixed-use and commercial buildings (to include multi-unit dwellings) located in a downtown area of a hamlet or village
• Aligns with local zoning regulations and/or design standards (if applicable) 

Ineligible Projects:

• Projects within the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Boundaries (Lowville) and New York Forward (NYF) Boundaries (Lyons Falls) will be ineligible for FSIP funding until the Small Projects Funds are depleted/disbursed within the respective Village.

Project Type:

Some eligible project types include the following:

• Awnings & canopies
• Interior display & exterior lighting
• Repair or replacement of façade windows, doors, and paint
• Window boxes and permanent planters
• Entryway improvements
• Signage: wall, perpendicular, free-standing signs
• Awning  lettering and /or window lettering

Ineligible Expenses:

• Engineering and/or design costs associated with the project.
• Tax, and building permit fees.
• Any cash purchases.

Project Eligibility:

• Open to municipal governments
• Improves walkability and/or community aesthetics in a village or hamlet
• Publicly accessible

Ineligible Projects:

• Projects within the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Boundaries (Lowville) and New York Forward (NYF) Boundaries (Lyons Falls) will be ineligible for FSIP funding until the Small Projects Funds are depleted/disbursed within the respective Village.

Project Type:

Some eligible project types include the following

• Permanent public art (murals, sculptures, etc.)
• Gateway & wayfinding signage
• Street furniture
• Public fixtures (kiosks, plaques, etc.)
• Street trees and permanent landscaping
• Bike racks and similar active transportation infrastructure

Ineligible Expenses:

• Engineering and/or design costs associated with project.
• Tax, and building permit fees.
• Any cash purchases.

If project funding is awarded, the final scope of work must be approved by the committee. Expenses incurred prior to the final scope approval will not be eligible for reimbursement. Depending on the project, a building and/or land use permit may be required. If the project includes signage, the awardee will need to apply for a permit, if applicable. Permits are not required to submit the application; however, they must be in place before any work can begin.

The Façade and Streetscape Improvement Program will be conducted annually barring legislative approval. The intent is to help capture new businesses in a timely fashion and provide more opportunities for participation. Recipients will have twelve months after award notice to complete a project barring exceptional circumstances. Funds will be limited to one project per applicant for the entirety of this program and funding will be distributed as a reimbursement once a project is complete.