Placemaking: Curb Appeal Façade Improvement Program

The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) Placemaking Curb Appeal Program application window is now open until March 29, 2024. The program is intended  to create pedestrian friendly, well-appointed, high-quality Main Street corridors throughout Schoharie County.

Curb Appeal Program

The Curb Appeal Program is focused on exterior design and building improvements along the Main Streets throughout Schoharie County. SEEC is offering incentives to commercial and mixed-use property owners or business tenants. Applicants must be willing to invest toward positive visual and sustainable improvements that complement the desired character of commercial and historic districts. The SEEC website will provide design tips and resource materials.

The Offer

Thanks to generous donations, SEEC has allocated resources to introduce a program that will make direct investments to Schoharie County property owners and businesses. Historic district and Main Street properties will receive preference.

An applicant may receive a grant up to 50% or $5,000 of the total approved project cost. The other 50% must be matched with another source of funds be it personal equity, bank loan or other grant resource. In some cases, special financing and tax exemptions may be available. A $30 application fee will be restricted for Curb Appeal Program use.

General program considerations:

• Minimum project amount of $2,000 from all sources.
• Maximum grant award $5,000, SEEC Board retains discretion to increase awards.
• Projects estimated at $5,000 or more will receive FREE technical assistance from a SEEC design consultant.
• Applications will be accepted from February 1 to March 29, 2024.
• Grant awards will be announced in May 2024.
• Projects to be completed by year end.

Inspiration: Design renderings viewable online.

A downtown design charette will be hosted early March.

Review & Selection

A committee comprised of five (5) volunteers will review applications based on the following criteria:

• IMPACT – The location, prominence and visibility of the Curb Appeal project and its role in helping achieve SEEC and community objectives.
• QUALITY – Material selection and overall upgrade or improvement proposed will greatly enhance community and economic development efforts.
• DESIGN – Consideration will be given to a well-conceived project. Creativity and appropriateness are relative to the building history, use, local laws and desired character of the commercial district.
• LEVERAGE – The ability to maximize funding and spur additional investment.

About SEEC

Established by the private sector, Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation, commonly known as “SEEC,” was organized as a not-for-profit to strengthen Schoharie County by fostering economic growth. SEEC serves as a liaison to local municipalities and institutional leaders with the common goal of highlighting distinctive points of light within the community, cultivating entrepreneurial endeavors and enhancing the ability of local businesses to add value to their enterprises. SEEC is guided by social, environmental and financial principles that will accelerate growth and help provide sustainability through a collaborative and thriving business community.