Lewis County seeks applicants for its façade and streetscape-improvement program

LOWVILLE, N.Y. — Lewis County is seeking applicants for the third round of its façade and streetscape-improvement program.

The initiative is meant as an incentive for property owners, nonprofits, business owners, and municipalities to perform façade improvements and streetscape enhancements in downtown areas across Lewis County.

The program is described as an “ongoing investment” by the Lewis County Board of Legislators and the third round has up to $200,000 to award for projects, per Lewis County’s Friday announcement.

To “encourage and advance revitalization efforts,” this initiative will provide up to 75/25 matching funds for eligible improvements to mixed-use and commercial buildings and streetscape enhancements in Lewis County’s villages and hamlets.

“The continued success of this program has proven the value of placemaking investments in our community. The County needs to remain focused on our downtowns and commercial districts in order to attract new investors, and retain the next generation of Lewis County families,” Lewis County Manager Ryan Piche said.

Applications for the third round of funding in this “competitive” program are now open and are due Nov. 3. A committee of representatives from the Lewis County Department of Planning & Community Development, the county manager, Naturally Lewis, and the Lewis County Historical Society will review applications. Officials will make award notifications on Dec. 1.

To learn more about the façade and streetscape-improvement program or to apply, those interested can visit the Lewis County Planning & Community Development website.