The Rutherford Downtown Partnership is pleased to announce the 2007 Grant Program for full façade rehabilitation, renovation and alteration. This year, grants will also be given for approved signs and awnings.

General Information

Partnership property owners and/or business owners in the core district can receive a grant of 50% of the cost of a full, approved façade rehabilitation, renovation and alteration. The grant is calculated at $250 per linear foot of improved, non-residential building facades, up to 75 linear feet. Thus, the maximum grant for any single project is $18,750. For the purposes of determining the amount of linear footage, the linear footage may include side or rear facades of the building if those facades are part of the development that are in public view at the discretion of the Board. Non-core properties are ineligible for RDP façade grants.

Partnership businesses in the core and non-core districts can receive a grant of 50% of the cost of the approved sign(s) and/or awning improvements (calculated at a maximum of $500). Sign and awning grants will not be available where there is an unimproved, non-compliant façade.

Eligibility for a Façade Grant

• The improved property must be located in the core district as defined by The Code of the Borough of Rutherford, Chapter 105A, Entitled “Special Improvement Districts”, Ordinance No. 2776-96.
• The improvements must have been approved by the Rutherford Downtown Partnership Board prior to the commencement of the project.
• All work must comply with the Rutherford Downtown Partnership Streetscape Regulations as defined by the aforesaid Ordinance.

Eligibility for a Sign and Awning Grant

• Partnership businesses in the core and non-core districts are eligible for a grant.
• The sign(s) or awning(s) must have been approved by the Rutherford Downtown Partnership prior to commencement of the project.
• The sign(s) or awning(s) must comply with the Rutherford Downtown Partnership Streetscape Regulations as defined by the aforesaid Ordinance.

Eligibility for Façade, Sign and Awning Grants

• All projects must be completed in accordance with approved plans. Any subsequent changes to those plans must be re-submitted to the Board for approval.
• All façade, sign and awning improvements projects must adhere to the Borough of Rutherford ordinances and building codes.
• Applicants must obtain all necessary permits.
• The business license fee must be paid current.
• Property taxes and BID tax assessments must be paid current.

Application Requirements

• A complete application must be submitted within thirty days after completion of the approved project.
• Vendor invoices for the work performed along with cancelled checks for payment in full to the contractor.
• Copies of all permits and certificates of completion, if required.
• Building tenants must have the landlord sign the grant application.
• Download Application Here

In order to view the application, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download free from Adobe.

Process

Complete applications for eligible projects will be reviewed and evaluated by the Board of the Rutherford Downtown Partnership. A site visit will be conducted where a determination will be made that the work performed is in accordance with the approval for the project. Applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision within 60 days of receipt of a complete application.

Limitations

• Grant money will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Approval of a plan does not mean that a grant will be awarded or that the project is eligible for a grant.
• Both owner and tenant cannot apply for the same project unless the improvements to the façade are pro-rated among tenants and property owners.
• The Rutherford Downtown Partnership reserves the right to revise or discontinue the grant program at any time without notice.