City Accepting Applications for Ogden Avenue Business Improvements

The city of Naperville is accepting applications for the Ogden Avenue Site Improvement Grant Program that offers private property and business owners reimbursements for site improvements.

These improvements can include a variety of projects such as awning and canopy replacements, exterior renovations, signage improvements, landscaping, parking lot reconstruction, access improvements and others.

The program is offered to owners and tenants of commercial property along Ogden Avenue between Rickert Drive and Naper Boulevard. Applications for the Ogden Avenue Site Improvement Grant, as well as other program information and requirements, are available online at www.naperville.il.us/ogdengrant.aspx. Printed copies of the application may also be obtained at the Transportation, Engineering and Development Business Group Development Services Counter, located on the main floor of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2013. If funding remains after all applications have been reviewed, additional applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been exhausted. An estimated total of $50,000 is allocated for Fiscal Year 2014 grants.

For those interested in learning more about the program, the City is offering two informal “Coffee Q&A” sessions. Owners and representatives from businesses along the Ogden Avenue corridor can attend to learn more about the application process, eligibility requirements and what to expect if selected for funding, as well as enjoy coffee and bagels. The first Coffee Q&A will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at Caribou Coffee, 686 E. Ogden Ave. The second will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, at Starbucks, 111 E. Ogden Ave.

The program’s purpose is to give incentives to property owners and tenants for site improvements that will increase business profitability while creating an attractive shopping atmosphere for the community. Approved projects will allow business owners to receive a funding grant for up to the maximum grant award, or 50 percent of the project cost, whichever is less. Maximum award eligibility depends on the scope and impact of the project, and all grants are reimbursed after construction is complete.

Once submitted, the applications will be reviewed and ranked by the Ogden Avenue Oversight Advisory Committee and the Planning Services Team. A letter will be mailed to those individuals awarded grants.

For more information, visit www.naperville.il.us.

Submitted by the city of Naperville