Monmouth Launches New Facade Improvement Program

Monmouth County introduces a new program to assist small business owners with making improvements to the front of their shops.

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the Grow Monmouth Façade Improvement Program, making grants available to help improve the look of privately-held commercial buildings throughout the county.

“The Façade Improvement Program is the newest initiative under our Grow Monmouth program,” says Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “The program uses HUD Community Development Block Grant funds that were de-obligated by grantees to help privately held commercial buildings, located in HUD eligible areas, improve their business façades.”

The county will award up to $1,850 for a project upgrades such as a new awning, paint, door or sign. There are no matching funds required from the business. A total of $75,000 has been set aside for this program and no county funds will be used.

“Total value of a project can be no more than $1,850,” adds Arnone. “The grant cannot be used as part of a larger project.”

The eligible municipalities include Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Colts Neck (naval station only), Deal, Eatontown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Hazlet, Highlands, Howell, Keansburg, Keyport, Lake Como, Manalapan, Matawan, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Shrewsbury Township, Tinton Falls (naval station only), Union Beach and West Long Branch.

Towns that receive their own HUD funding directly are not part eligible to participate in this program.

For more information about the Grow Monmouth Façade Improvement Program and to get an application, contact the Department of Economic Development at 732-431-7470 or visit the Grow Monmouth section of the County website.