Main Street properties upgrading facades

(6/27) Four Emmitsburg properties located on Main Street are getting facials, courtesy of matching grant money the town has pursued to improve the appearance of the town core.

The properties that were approved for the matching grant funds include those located at 12 West Main Street, 1-3 East Main Street, 315 East Main Street, and 122 East Main Street.

VFW Post 6658, located at 12 West Main Street, was approved for a matching grant of $8,325 grant for painting of trim, windows, and other improvements. This completed project has been submitted to the state for the matching grant reimbursement.

The property located at 1-3 East Main Street was approved for a $12,500 matching grant for repairs and repainting of front porch, replacement of two windows and brickwork below porch, re-pointing and painting of brick building. The work is in progress.

Mayor Donald Briggs stated that, in reference to this property, the scope of work has been reduced, which would ultimately reduce the amount of the grant.

The property located at 315 E. Main Street was approved for an $8,332 matching grant for a roof replacement and the addition of two skylights on rear part of roof. This completed project has been submitted to the state for the matching grant reimbursement.

The property located at 122 East Main Street was approved for a matching grant of $12,500 grant for removal of existing asphalt faux-brick siding on the entire house, repair of trim, porches, and repainting.

Briggs stated that, in this first round of state grants, the town was approved for $50,000, meaning that there was a maximum state-reimbursement of expenses of $12,500 per property.

The town was allocated $50,000 to expend in in 2013 on qualifying properties through the state Community Legacy Program, which provides "local governments and community development organizations with funding for essential projects aimed at strengthening communities through activities such as business retention and attraction, encouraging homeownership and commercial revitalization," according the agency’s web site.

The program falls under the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

Of the $50,000 matching grants approved for the 2013 round of funding, $8,342.48 remains and must be spent (or lost) by June 2015, Briggs stated.

The town has applied for another $50,000 for the 2014 round of grants, and will be applying in July for the 2015 round.