Three businesses recently got facelifts, and city leaders hope more will take advantage of cosmetic grants that can be used to spruce up downtown Bessemer City.
Thanks to a state grant, the city started offering matching façade grants to property owners in the business district, which is located along Pennsylvania and Virginia avenues.
During the past year, three business owners took the plunge – adding awnings, slapping on fresh paint and beautifying storefronts.
The three recipients were Angel’s Upscale Consignment, Virginia Avenue Auto and Wrecker and two of Otis Whitehurt’s businesses, Otis Merchandise Gallery and A.O. Alternative Energy.
Each business had a shot at a $5,000 grant if they matched that amount while making repairs. Amounts were determined by figuring $100 per linear foot facing the road, said Josh Ross, economic development officer for Bessemer City.
Money the city antes up comes from its general fund, according to Ross.
While city leaders budgeted $5,000 for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, grants surpassed that, Ross said.
For the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, potential business owners will also get a shot at a rehabilitation grant, with matching funds for vacant buildings up to $10,000.
Rehabilitation grants will hopefully tempt businesses to move into the seven vacant storefronts in the business district, Ross said.
City Council hasn’t put a cap on what funds will be available, but city leaders will keep in mind upcoming budget constraints, said Ross.
“With the new police department we have to figure out what we can afford. But we’re always looking for additional grants to see what we can offer,” he said.
The city started façade grants in 2009 and the building rehabilitation incentive in January.
The initiative for these grants came from the city’s acceptance into the Small Town Main Street Program, Ross said.
“Since our induction to the Main Street Program, the goal is to fill vacant properties and strengthen our downtown. A strong downtown reflects a strong community,” he said.
Ross works part-time in economic development for the city.
If a proposed budget by City Manager James Inman passes, Ross will transition to full time.
Luring businesses to Bessemer City is a goal, but Ross said he also wants to coax people to visitor to shop and eat.
The city recently added a “Cruise In” as such an attraction. In early May, old cars sat on display while live music played and vendors served drinks and food to those who came out.
The event will happen again on June 13 along Virginia Avenue from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ross said the first such event went well, he’s hoping it only gets better.
“The crowd and the turnout have been really good,” he said. “We have events like that to promote downtown as a place to come and visit.”
You can reach Diane Turbyfill at 704-869-1817 and twitter.com/GazetteDiane.