Ortonville- Two village businesses are improving their looks? for free.
The Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union (CBCCU), 4 South St., and Engineering Tube Specialties, 85 Myron St., were recently awarded facade grants from the Downtown Development Authority.
Molly Lalone, DDA executive director, said Engineering Tube was approved for just under $1,500 and plans to reside their building. CBCCU is receiving a grant for just under $1,000 and will repaint and do general maintenance on areas of the exterior.
Under the Funds for Revitalization and Economic Elevation (F.R.E.E.) program, grants up to $1,500 are given to businesses in the DDA zone for facade improvements or signage. The DDA zone includes properties along Mill and South streets, the industrial park north of Myron and west of Narrin streets, as well as properties along M-15 near the South Street intersection and at the Mill Street intersection on the east side of M-15.
‘It’s a reimbursable grant,? explained Lalone. ‘They get approved, do what they say they were going to do, pay for it, and then submit the paid bill to the DDA for reimbursement.?
The DDA is also planning to use funds to make repairs to the Old Town Hall, including new windows, doors, and replacement of some siding on the front of the building at 486 Mill St.
The DDA still has three more grants available to disburse this year for facade improvements, which includes any improvements to the outside of a commercial or historical building.
Any DDA zone business owner interested in applying for one of the F.R.E.E. grants should contact Molly Lalone at 248-627-8070.