By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur’s popular facade program will be returning in an expanded form in 2024.
The program, which provides matching funds for businesses to improve their facades, has for some 10 years been limited to the downtown area.
Next year, however, all businesses which operate primarily within the city limits of Decatur will be able to apply for funds if they meet the established criteria.
Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart told city council at its Tuesday meeting that to qualify a business must be a member of Decatur Main Street – which works hand-in-hand with the Chamber of Commerce – contribute to the city’s economy, be independently owned and operated, employ under 50 people, and not be dominant in its field on a national basis.
Those interested in applying for a facade grant must attend one of two upcoming meetings on Thursday, Dec. 7 in City Hall: at 9 a.m. and at 5 p.m.
Anyone with questions may contact Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart at jgephart@decaturin.org or by calling (260) 724-7171.
Through the facade program, a business may seek a grant of up to $10,000 and the city will match the requested amount. The city has $50,000 budgeted for the program in 2024.
Decatur has been annually putting $50,000 into the program, but suspended it this year in the face of a money crunch due to having to fork over a match to the state for the Five Points renovation.
“The idea was to stretch (the program) out and you’ve done that,” Councilman Matt Dyer told Gephart.
“I want to thank you; you have put a lot of effort into this,” Councilman Wylie Sirk added, speaking to Gephart.
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