The Village of Port Chester Façade Program is an integral part of a comprehensive Main Street revitalization strategy. The New York State funded restoration program is designed to encourage economic revitalization in the Village’s downtown by providing matching grants of up to $30,000 per building to private property owners in the target areas whose buildings require façade rehabilitation, and who demonstrate that they will comply with the program’s design guidelines and principles.
The design goals of the Village of Port Chester Façade Program are to encourage and guide building owners towards renovation and preserving their building facades, including storefront, in a way that respects the original design of the building, enhances the historic character of the downtown and fosters a physical environment conducive to street-level business, and to economic and residential activity in general.
Village of Port Chester Façade Program funds are available only to properties located within the following defined area: Main Street between Highland Street and Westchester Avenue.
The goal is to encourage a large number of improvements in a focused area. It is hoped that development of the business area on Main Street will draw in more consumers from both the Village and the neighboring communities which will in turn promote further retail economic activity in a mutually supportive cycle.
NOTE: If the Village of Port Chester Façade Program is successful in the current target area, we hope to seek funding to extend the program to other parts of the downtown.
Project Eligibility:
Building owners in the Target Areas are eligible to apply for funding for their improvements that aim to preserve or restore original façade architectural elements. Improvements might include: general preservation of the historical façade detail, reconstruction of the building storefront, new awnings, and new signage and/or new lighting.
To be eligible for this program, a building must either be occupied or read to be occupied. Please be aware that the Village of Port Chester may elect grant approval and funding for only portions of the projects where only a part of a project complies with or is within the purview of this program.
Funding Source and Terms:
New York Main Street grant funding through the New York State Housing Trust fund Corporation (HTFC), will be used to help fund successful applicants to the program. The grant funds will be equal to no more than fifty percent (50%) of the façade renovation costs, including architect fees, up to the maximum grant of $30,000 per building. A building is defined as a structure on a single tax lot. Corner buildings, which would have two facades, are viewed as one building and only eligible for a single grant.
Building owners must provide the remaining funds required for each project, including the 50% match ( since grant funds can fund a maximum of 50% of the cost of the project), any cost above a total per project cost of $60,000 and the cost of any interior renovation or other construction not considered part of the façade restoration or improvement.
It is important to clarify that grant funds will be sent to the property or business owner on a reimbursement basis, only after satisfactory completion of all work and payment of the contractor.
All projects will be subject to review by VPC’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) before the project commences and the Director of Code Enforcement, at the time of substantial completion of the project.
All property owners participating in the VPC Façade Prgoram will be asked to sign a Maintenance Agreement to ensure that the restored façade is maintained and not altered from the approved design scheme for a period of seven (7) years. A sample of the declaration and requirements is included in your application packet.
A Façade Guidelines Booklet is completed.
Each successful applicant will be provided access to a façade guidelines booklet, once adopted by the ARB designed to help applicants follow the specific aesthetic aims of the program. The guidelines are intended to guide the building owner in a particular direction and to foster constructive creativity. Building owners are encouraged to develop designs and building restoration programs that work within the guidelines.
Codes & Ordinances
All work to be reimbursed under this façade improvement program shall comply with all relevant codes and ordinances, including the New York State Building Code, Port Chester Zoning Ordinance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, (1968) and the Rehabilitation Act ( 1973).
For further information on local requirements please contact:
The Village of Port Chester Building Department:
Village Hall, 222 Grace Church St., Port Chester, NY 10573 914-939-5203
Process & Checklist
§ Application
Building owner to complete program application including description of proposed improvements and submit form(s) to:
VPC Façade Program
Attn: Project Coordinator Dwight Douglas, c/o Bldg. Dept./Village Hall
§ Application Review (Timeframe:--------- Includes State historic Preservation Office review and acceptance into the program)
Once the application form is submitted, the VPC Façade Program Committee will review the application and determine whether or not the proposed improvements meet the program guidelines. Applicants will be notified in writing by the VPC Program Committee.
Note: A Property Release needs to be signed by the property owner permitting HTFC to take and use photographs of the property.
§ Architect Review & Scope of Work Approval
Approved applicants will meet with their architect and/or General Contractor, if needed (lists for both included in application packet) to develop a scope of work and initial job cost estimate. VPC and property owner must sign off on the scope of work before the owner is authorized to seek bids for the work.
Priorities for the scope of work will include: Immediate health and safety concerns, the correction of any code violations, and the effort to preserve historical elements of the building.
§ Bidding Process
The VPC will provide a list of prequalified contractors. Applicants may use this list, or request that their particular contractor be qualified. Amongst other information, references, proof of insurance and documentation of Westchester County licensing will be required for qualification approval. Each applicant is required to submit at least two (2) written bids from prequalified contractors. Bids will be reviewed by VPC, who will advise the property owner of the acceptability of the proposed cost. If the property owner chooses other than the lowest responsible bid approved by the VPC, reimbursement will be based on the lowest responsible bids.
NOTE: All General Contractors and Sub Contractors who are not n the VPC appoved list must complete a Prequalification Application and be approved by the VPC in order to work on projects that receive funding from this program.
The VPC reserves the right in inspect work at any time and to cancel the contract if the work is not consistent with the design standards or agreed upon scope of work, if there are issues with the workmanship, or if insurance is not maintained by the contractor during construction.
§ Contractual Agreement with the VPC
The VPC will enter into a contract with the property owner to provide the agreed grant assistance, subject to the property owner entering into a contract based on the agreed scope of work, and the work beginning within 30 days of the VPC approval.
NOTE: The VPC is a reimbursement program making the property owner responsible for payment of all agreed upon construction and renovation work up front. I
§ Building Permits, Design Review and ARB Committee
The property owner is responsible for obtaining all building permits and other permits required by the Village, and for obtaining approval from the VPC Façade Program Review Committee and the VPC ARB. The Committee consists of:
NOTE: An ARB review fee of $50 per project is required for participating property owners.
§ Identification as Program Participant
All façade program participants will be given a sign to place in the window of the construction site identifying them as a proud supporter of the New York Main Street grant program. The sign must be left up during construction and for 90 days thereafter.
§ Project Reimbursements
Grant funds will be sent directly to the business owner after the satisfactory completion of all work ( as determined by the VPC) and proof of payment to the contractor.
Reimbursement payment will only be made after:
1. Documentation satisfactory to the VPC has been submitted demonstrating payment by the owner for the approved façade improvements pursuant to the agreed upon budget ( and, when appropriate, change orders.) Contractor invoices on letterhead must also be submitted which include the location of the work done, the date(s) the work was done, the dollar cost of the work and a brief indication of the type of work done.
2. Approval by the Project Architect that all work has been completed in a responsible fashion and consistent with the agreed scope of work.
NOTE: Reimbursements will be made to the property owner for half the eligible costs up to a maximum of $15,000 per façade renovation from New York Main Street grant funds once the funds are received from HTFC, New York State.
§ Final Inspection
A final inspection will be required prior to the final reimbursement. The VPC and the VPC Building Inspector and the property owner must all verify that the work was completed properly and is consistent with the contracted scope of work.
Project Coordinator Contact Information:
Dwight Douglas
c/o Village Manager's Office
Village Hall
222 Grace Church St.,
Port Chester NY 10573
Cell # 914-804-0379
Facade Program - Spanish.pdf
Property Owner Short Form.pdf
Contractor-Vendor - Pre-Qualification.pdf
Sample Agreement0.pdf
Area Map.pdf
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