Village of Brooklyn Facade Improvement Grant Program

The Village of Brooklyn’s Façade Improvement Grant Program is an initiative established by the Village’s Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) to promote the rehabilitation and aesthetic enhancement of commercial building exteriors within the Village’s designated Corridor Improvement District. The CIA, which manages the program, is responsible for reviewing applications, making funding decisions, and overseeing all aspects of the program’s administration. This effort is part of the Village’s broader strategy to encourage private investment, enhance the visual appeal of the business corridor, and foster overall economic vitality. The program is funded locally through the Village of Brooklyn’s Corridor Improvement Authority. The primary objective of the program is to support building owners and tenants in making exterior improvements to commercial properties. The program aims to fund projects that align with the Village’s small-town charm and contribute to the cohesive aesthetic of public-facing structures. Eligible projects may include restoration or replacement of exterior architectural elements, painting, signage, lighting, awnings, and ADA accessibility improvements. Interior projects and certain expenses such as property acquisition, appraisals, and legal fees are explicitly ineligible. To qualify for this grant, applicants must own or lease a commercial property located within the legal boundaries of the Corridor Improvement District. Tenants must provide written consent from the property owner. Additionally, applicants must be in good standing with respect to taxes and utilities owed to the Village. All projects must comply with local permitting requirements, and the use of licensed and insured contractors is mandatory for labor costs to be covered. The program explicitly excludes homeowners and non-commercial properties from eligibility. The funding structure of the program offers a maximum award of $1,000 per project, with no specified minimum. Grants cover up to 50% of the total project cost on a reimbursable basis, with recipients required to match grant funds dollar-for-dollar. The CIA retains discretion over award amounts and reserves the right to discontinue the program, although it will honor all previously awarded grants if discontinued. Applications for the current grant cycle are accepted from June 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Applications can be submitted in person at the Village Office or via email. Required submission materials include proof of property ownership or owner consent, existing photographs of the property, a detailed project description and design plan, cost estimates, a project timeline, explanation of project impact, required Village permits, and contractor information if applicable. The CIA will review applications and make funding recommendations during its meeting on August 19, 2025. All approved projects must be completed, and reimbursement requests submitted by June 1, 2026. The Village staff will verify project completion against submitted plans before reimbursement is processed. Applicants must provide complete financial documentation in one submission to receive reimbursement, which will be issued within 30 days of final approval. For any questions regarding the program or to submit an application, interested parties are directed to contact the Village via email at fellow@villageofbrooklyn.com. A map outlining the Corridor Improvement District is included in the program guidelines to assist applicants in determining property eligibility. The program document also notes that its details may be amended annually by the CIA through formal approval processes.