A Monroe County Municipality is looking to help its businesses with a new grant program. Middle Smithfield Township is looking to foster property improvements along its six-mile stretch of
Route 209.
It’s called “Revitalize 209."
Middle Smithfield Township Economic Development Manager James Brechbiel says, "Repairs, razing certain buildings, painting, cleaning, anything that would help the improvement of the visibility of that business."
Middle Smithfield Township is looking to promote it’s corridor to attract visitors and business with the matching grant program.
Brechbiel says, "Our projects can go up to but not exceed $20,000. Meaning the township would pay a portion of up to $10,000 and the businesses would pay that other half. But there isn’t a minimum project."
The township’s portion of the total funds was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Brechbiel says, "The township is putting forth $375,000 dollars hoping that we would match up to $750,000 in improvements. The businesses would carry 50 percent and the township would carry up to 50 percent of those costs."
The owner of the Morning Brew Coffee Shop, which specializes in locally roasted and ground blends, thinks it’s a great opportunity. She tells us a lot of customers want the family owned business located within The MArshall Square Shopping Plaza on Route 209 to have better signage.
Morning Brew Coffee Shop Owner Cassandra Hoit says, "There’s a lot of residents in the area that don’t even know that we’re here. We’re new, we’re just over two years in business so that will allow them to come in and explore what we have to offer."
But in order to administer the grant, the township is looking for residents to become part of its Revitalize 209 Committee. Members will make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors starting this spring.
Brechbiel says, "There’s a wide range of criteria that they’re going to be looking at but realistically speaking, those who come in who have multiple backgrounds that are not a piece of this puzzle yet could be a real benefit."
The township wants all committee applications in by May 4th so that by the end of the month it can start operating. Just go to Middle Smithfield Township’s website for more information.
