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LIVINGSTON COUNTY SIGN & FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

2013 Policies and Guidelines

The Livingston County Development Group • 6 Court Street • Room 306 • Geneseo, New York 14454www.livingstoncountydevelopment.com • 585.243.7124

BEFORE AFTER

Purpose

The purpose of the Livingston County Main Street Revitalization Program is to provide resources to assist Livingston County’sbusinesses and municipalities with their Main Street revitalization efforts. Resources available include a Sign and Façade Improvement Program. This grant program is available to assist owners of commercial properties or business owners to makesign and façade improvements and enhance the attractiveness of the designated commercial districts in Livingston County Villages (Avon, Dansville, Geneseo, Lima, Livonia, Mt. Morris and Nunda). The program is funded and administered by the Livingston County Development Corporation (LCDC).

Sign and Façade Improvement Program

Funding Availability: The LCDC will provide reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of signage or facade improvements to a commercial building located in the designated Downtown Area. The reimbursement shall not exceed $5,000 for any individual business or property.

Funding will be awarded through an annual competitive process. To receive funds, an applicant must submit a complete application package to the LCDC for consideration. If project funding is awarded the final scope of work must be approved by the LCDC before construction can begin.

The LCDC will only reimburse those costs deemed to be reasonable and appropriate to complete the proposed project which has been approved in advance by the LCDC. Personal labor by the business or property owner is not a reimbursable projectcost. Funds shall not be provided in advance of construction, project completion, and full payment for the project by the grantrecipient.

Eligible Applicants:Owners of business and/or commercial properties located within the designated downtown area may apply for the grant program (a map of the designated downtown is attached). Tenants operating a business within the designated downtown areashall be eligible to apply for the program. Tenants must provide written acknowledgement and approval from the owner of thebuilding in order to qualify for participation in the program. Eligible applicants may include any retail business or professionalservice use that is operating in conformity with the Village’s zoning regulations.

Strictly residential buildings are not eligible for funding. However, mixed-use buildings in the designated commercial district thatinclude both commercial and residential use are eligible and encouraged to apply for funding.

Real Property Tax Obligations:Applicants for participation in the Sign and Façade Improvement Program will not be approved unless the property owner is current on all County, Town, Village and School real property taxes as well as any outstanding water and sewer charges. Proof ofpayment may be required.

Eligible Activities (includes the following):• New sign• Repair or replacement of existing sign• Installation of new awning• Repair or replacement of existing awning• Exterior painting• Installation or replacement of exterior storefront • Interior storefront display lighting• Cleaning and re-pointing of brick on façade• Repair or replacement of façade windows • Other activities, upon approval by the LCDC (may include specific projects not listed here).

All of the preceeding sign and façade improvements must follow the adopted Village Design Guidelines to ensure compatibilitywith the existing Main Street, helping to create a uniform and coordinated streetscape that is attractive and functional. Façaderenovations shall include the full building façade (phased façade renovations will not be considered). No outbuilding or accessory buildings such as garages and barns shall be eligible.


LIVINGSTON COUNTY SIGN & FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM GUIDELINES

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PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN PRIOR TO RECEIVING APPROVAL FROM THE LCDC SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Compliance With Local Regulations: All sign and façade improvements implemented under this program shall be in compliance with all Village laws, including Zoning and Sign regulations and Village Design Guidelines.

Application Deadline:An original and five (5) copies of the application must be received by the Livingston County Development Corporation, 6 Court St., Room 306, Geneseo, NY 14454 not later than 4 PM on Friday, March 15, 2013. Applications to participate in the program are available on the LCDC web site: www.livingstoncountydevelopment.com

Required exhibits to be included with completed grant application package:• 2 cost estimates for all work to be completed • Materials to be used in renovation project • Colored rendering of proposed façade improvement project • Sign materials, dimensions and Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors to be used on sign • Colored rendering of proposed signage• Location of sign on building façade• Letter from property owner stating that the applicant is permitted to make façade improvements or attach a sign to the building (if applicable)

Application Review:Property/business owners must submit an application for participation in the program. A color rendering of the proposed workto be completed must be included with the application. If renderings are not provided at the time of application, the project will not be considered for funding. Project designs will be reviewed by the designated Village review committee and recommended to the LCDC Board for funding. Design elements not specifically related to signage are not eligible for funding (ie: design work that could be used on letterhead or advertising.)

Criteria used for scoring by the Application Review Committee will include:• Aesthetic appeal in keeping with the Village’s appearance and style of the building• Aesthetic impact on character of Main street• Unique sign design using appropriate color combinations• Adherence to Village Design Guidelines• Project will create or expand a business• Project will retain or create new jobs• Degree to which the improvements capitalize on the building’s architectural integrity• Other building improvement beyond those funded by the LCDC • Will lighted window displays be created to enhance Main Street

Grant Approval:Projects approved by the LCDC for funding will receive a written commitment letter from the LCDC detailing any supplementalinformation needed. LCDC staff will meet with applicant to review the proposed project and confirm the scope of work proposedin the application. Approved projects must be started no later than July 1, 2013.

Reimbursement Procedures:Upon funding approval by the LCDC, the LCDC will send the applicant a written commitment for funding. The LCDC will providereimbursement to the applicant for a portion of the cost of the improvements after the applicant has provided verification thatthe work has been completed as proposed and approved by the LCDC and that all vendors have been paid in full.

Applicants must document project expenditures and the required match to receive reimbursement. Proof of payment to the contractor/vendor is required. (Proof of payment includes a paid invoice and cancelled check.) Cash payments are not an acceptable form of payment and cannot be reimbursed.

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Completion Date:All projects awarded funding under the Sign and Façade Improvement Program must be completed no later than October 31, 2013.

Event of Default:If the property improved under the Sign and Façade Improvement program is sold, transferred or foreclosed, or if there is achange in the ownership of the business or discontinuance of the business within the first, second, or third year after the date of completion of the work performed under the Sign & Façade Improvement Program, the applicant must repay the LCDC as follows:

Year 1 100% of the grant must be repaid



Repayment shall be made prior to the applicant retaining funds from a sale or transfer, unless the LCDC grants a waiver. All waiver requests shall be submitted in writing to the LCDC board with appropriate documentation justifying the request for the waiver.

Grant Disapproval If the Village or the LCDC denies the Sign and Façade Improvement Grant application, the LCDC will notify the applicant and specify the reason for disapproval.


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General Information

APPLICANT NAME BUSINESS NAME

MAILING ADDRESS PROPERTY ADDRESS

PHONE NUMBER CELL PHONE NUMBER EMAIL ADDRESS

Project Information

Proposed work involves: � Front of building � Rear of building � Side of building

Proposed work is visible from a public right-of-way: � YES � NO

Project includes: �

� Signage � Windows/Doors �� Painting � Masonry/Repointing �� Awnings � Other� Lighted window displays

Will your project include the removal of a false façade? � YES � NO

Project DescriptionPlease describe exactly what you intend to use the grant funds for, if awarded. You may attach additional sheets if needed.Please include a “before” photo and colored renderings of your project.

Applicant is: � Building Owner � Tenant � OtherIf tenant, the owner of the property must give written approval for the applicant to install signage or make improvements.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY SIGN & FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION



Architectural designs completed: � YES � NO

Architect’s Name, Address and Phone number, if applicable:

Cost Estimates for Sign and/or Façade Projects

Are your funds currently available for the entire project? �� YES �� NO

If NO, do you need to secure bank financing to complete your project? �� YES �� NO

If building improvements are planned outside of the grant request, what is the total projected additional investment?

Current Building Uses (please account for all 1st and 2nd floor spaces):

First Floor # Units Occupied # Units Vacant Square Feet Vacant

Second Floor # Units Occupied # Units Vacant Square Feet Vacant

Estimate #1 Work to be Completed Estimate #2 Lowest Estimate


Total Estimated Project Cost: $

Grant Request*: $

Applicant’s Funds: $*Grant request can not exceed 50% of total project cost or $5,000.


Current Retail/Commercial tenants:

Business Name # Full-time jobs # Part-time jobs

Proposed Retail/Commercial tenants:

Business Name # Full-time jobs # Part-time jobs

Are Village/County Taxes Current? � YES � NO � Unsure

Are School Taxes Current? � YES � NO � Unsure

Are Water/Sewer Bills Current? � YES � NO � Unsure

If NO to any of the above answers, please explain.

Required Supporting Information

Following is a list of information needed in support of your application for Sign and Façade Improvement funds. The applicant should note that this list may not be all inclusive and additional information can and will be requested at the option of the County of Livingston or its representative.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure to answer all questions in the application and attach required exhibits.

Items Required for a Complete Sign Grant Application:

1. Estimates from two (2) sign makers which include the following:• dimensions of sign• sign materials (ie: high density foam, etc.) • colors to be used on sign (specific color names)• description of mounting hardware and brackets• cost estimates• colored rendering of the sign

2. Letter from property owner stating that the applicant is allowed to attach a sign to the front of their building and thatthey are aware that a grant is being requested for the sign.

3. Illustration of the placement of the signage on the building.

NOTE: • You must apply for a Village sign permit and obtain approval before contracting for any sign materials whether you choose apply for a grant or not.• Sign permit approval does NOT guarantee grant approval• Grant funding must be applied for and approved BEFORE any sign construction is started.



Items Required for a Complete Façade Grant Application:

1. Written description of proposed project to include:• Project narrative with enough detail to ensure that the reviewer can understand the entire scope of the project. • Colored renderings of your proposed façade improvements are required. • Identify specific color choices to be used, if repainting building façade.

2. Detailed cost estimates:• Two (2) cost estimates for each phase of the proposed project are required and must be included with your application.

Certification

I hereby certify that I am the owner/lessee of the property to be improved. To the best of my knowledge, all of the information provided in the application for the Livingston County Sign and Façade Improvement Program is true and cor-rect. I understand that any willful misstatement of material fact will be grounds for disqualification. Livingston County ishereby authorized to verify any of the above information in any appropriate matter; and to inspect the property prior togrant approval and following work completion.

I have received the Livingston County Sign and Façade Improvement Program Guidelines. I agree to cooperate with theCounty of Livingston and to comply with program requirements.

I understand that any contract for improvements to be paid for, in part, by the Program shall be between the contractorand myself, and that I should NOT SIGN ANY CONTRACT FOR WORK UNDER THIS PROGRAM UNTIL AUTHORIZED TODO SO IN WRITING. I understand that the grant payment is subject to satisfactory completion of the approved work. I also understand that Livingston County is not responsible or liable for any breach of contract, faulty workmanship, accident liability or damage, which might arise from (my) (our) relationship with the contractor.

I hereby grant the Livingston County Development Corporation the unrestricted right to use for any lawful purpose photographs taken of the property listing herein, which I own and/or for which I have the authority to grant such permission, and to use my name in connection therewith if it so chooses. I release and discharge the LCDC from any andall claims or causes of action arising from the use of such photographs, including, without limitation, claims for libel or invasion of privacy.

I am eighteen years of age or older. I have read the program guidelines and application and understand its contents.

SIGNATURE: DATE:


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