The projects, with four in the city of Fostoria and four in the rural areas of the county, are to receive a total of $23,855.32 through reimbursement grants. That funding is expected to spark a total investment of about $68,165.12 in Seneca County businesses and commercial buildings.
The following projects were approved:
* An $829 grant for a $1,658 window replacement project at the Old Fort Country Market, 8080 Main St., Old Fort.
* A $526.32 grant for a $1,052.64 exterior door and window project at Tiell Financial Group, 5941 W. Tiffin St., Bascom.
* A $5,000 grant for a $15,084 roof restoration project at the Republic Town Hall and Opera House at 213 Washington St., Republic.
* A $5,000 grant for a $10,275 deck, signage and bell tower repair project at Trinity United Methodist Church, 202 Broadway St., Republic.
* A $5,000 grant for a $16,444 windows and doors replacement project at 110 E. North St., Fostoria, on behalf of Happy Hour Investments.
* A $5,000 grant for a $15,200 project facade restoration project at 214 S. Main St., Fostoria, on behalf of Birkmire-Filliater Holdings.
* A $917.74 grant for a $1,833.48 signage project at Head Shed Stylists, 232 N. Main St., Fostoria.
* A $1,583.26 grant for a $6,618 exterior improvement project at Beach House Nails,115 N. Main St.
The projects were recommended to the commissioners by a steering committee led by Commissioner Tyler Shuff and administered by Seneca Regional Planning Commission. The committee reviewed applications on Nov. 22nd to decide if the projects met the program guidelines to be eligible for funding. On Thursday, the board of commissioners approved a resolution officially accepting these applications.
Shuff said he was happy to see county funds being used to encourage investment in commercial properties all across the county.
“This is a way to give the taxpayers and our local businesses some of their tax money back to reinvest in themselves,” he said. “This program is an appealing incentive for our business owners and we are excited to see the before/after photos of these properties.”
Funding is available on a first-come, first-service basis and is to be split evenly between the cities and rural areas. The commissioners made $25,000 available for the program when they launched it on Sept. 29th.
Local businesses and organizations were eligible to apply for a matching grant of as much as $5,000.
A small amount of funding is still available through the program for rural-area county businesses and commercial buildings for work to be completed on the exterior of buildings.
For more details, visit the county’s website. https://senecacountyohio.gov/seneca-county-commissioners-create-countywide-facade-enhancement-program/