LEARN HOW YOU MIGHT BENEFIT FROM THE NY MAIN STREET PROGRAM

New York Main Street provides financial resources and technical assistance to communities to strengthen the economic vitality of the State’s traditional main streets and neighborhoods. The NY Main Street program provides funds from the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) to business improvement districts and other not-for-profit organizations that are committed to revitalizing historic downtowns and mixed-use neighborhood commercial districts. The New York Main Street grant program is a “bricks and mortar” program that provides funding for building renovations, facade and streetscape improvements and, in limited cases, capital funding for projects intended to anchor downtown districts. The program also provides technical assistance and other resources to support community revitalization efforts.

GATEWAY PRESENTATION

Click here to view our presentation.

INFORMATIONAL FLYER

Click here to download an informational flyer.

GATEWAY APPLICATION

Click here to download an application.

GATEWAY SURVEY

We welcome your suggestions and ideas on how best to improve the Lexington Avenue "Gateway" - East 102nd Street to 105th Street

Take Our Small Business Improvement Survey

Please print and complete the survey, and email, fax or drop off the survey to:

Julie Caracino
c/o Hope Community, Inc.
174 104th Street
New York, NY 10029
Fax: (212) 722-1479

LESSONS FROM THE STREET

Click here for an interesting perspective on "downtown retailling," as published in LISC's quarterly newsletter, the Commercial Advisor (Summer 2008).

The Office of Community Renewal New York Main Street Program
Frequently Asked Questions

How much are the NY Main Street grants for?

• Matching grants of up to $10,000 per building, but not exceeding 50% of total cost can be provided to owners for façade renovations.
• Matching grants of up to $50,000 per building, but not exceeding 50% of total cost can be provided to owners for renovation of commercial/civic space on first floor and residential units above.
• Matching grants of up to $100,000 per building, but not exceeding 25% of project cost, can be provided to owners to help establish or expand cultural or business anchors that are identified in a local plan as key to the revitalization effort. Developments that incorporate residential units on the upper floors will receive priority for funding.
• Grants of up to $25,000 for programs to plant trees and other landscaping, install street furniture and trash cans, provide appropriate signs in accordance with a local signage plan, and other relevant activities.

Are these funds grants or loans?

The New York Main Street program provides grants to building or business owners to renovate the façade or interior of their commercial or residential properties. These funds do not have to be paid back.

When will I be reimbursed?

The Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) will deposit funds into the Hope Community account after two weeks from having received documentation from owners of costs of renovation.

Can I use my own contractor?

Contractors are selected through a competitive bid. Your contractor may submit a bid that will be considered along with at least one other bid. Minority and Women Owned Businesses are given priority for renovation projects.

I am a building owner. Can I take out a loan for the match?

Yes. I am a commercial tenant.

Can I receive this grant directly?

You may be eligible to receive funding for façade improvements depending on the conditions of your lease, and on permit application requirements.

For more Information about the Main Street Program contact Julie Caracino at (212) 860-8821 ext. 144 or visit the program’s website at www.nymainstreet.org.