Mt. Carmel Revitalization Grant Program
Local businesses are an essential component to bringing the community together and building a sense of connection. The Mt. Carmel Business Corridor Overlay District serves as an invaluable asset to the community by providing the opportunity for Union Township to be a destination for regional and local visitors. We continue to look for ways to improve the experience for residents and visitors to the area.
The Mt. Carmel Revitalization Grant Program offers financial assistance to revitalize businesses and aligns with the Township’s land use plan for the Mt. Carmel Business Corridor. Businesses must meet the eligibility requirements, be located inside the program limits, and provide all required information to be considered for the grant program. Funding is allocated on an annual basis to the Union Township Community Investment Corporation, Inc. with set-asides for this specific purpose. Funding amounts are limited by calendar year and priority will currently be given to the area west of Mt. Carmel-Tobasco Road. For this round, a total of $250,000.00 has been allocated for eligible projects.
PROGRAM RULES & GUIDANCE
To meet eligibility requirements, grant recipients must be the principal owner of the subject property, or must otherwise be authorized as a tenant to complete improvements to the structure or property by the property owner. Priority shall be given to commercially owned and occupied structures; however, mixed use properties are also eligible, and residential applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, applicants must successfully complete an application for funding, provide written estimates from licensed and fully insured contractors (where applicable), with specific details regarding the nature of improvements. Specific information will vary with each project, but will generally include site improvement plans, landscaping plans, façade drawings, elevations, or other similar plan documents. Obtaining all required permits shall also be a prerequisite to determining funding eligibility. Property must be in good standing with respect to all property taxes, liens, collections, lender relations, and other similar instances, and properly zoned and/or in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
Grant applications will be accepted and evaluated competitively on a first come, first served basis, until funding is depleted for the applicable calendar year/grant period. Applications and funding decisions are subject to the sole discretion of the Union Township CIC Executive Director. Successful applicants shall receive dollar-for-dollar reimbursement grants, equal to 50% of the overall estimated project cost. Successful applications require a minimum overall investment of $10,000.00 ($5,000 - 50% matching grant award), up to a maximum grant award of $25,000.00 (total project cost ≥ $50,000.00).
Funding shall be distributed to grantees on a reimbursement basis, subject to satisfactory evidence of applicable work completed, invoiced, and paid (cancelled check, receipt, etc.). Multiple draws may be requested by the grantee throughout the project, up to the awarded amount. Cost overruns above the awarded amount or approved project cost shall be the sole responsibility of the grantee. Work commencing prior to transmittal of award letter or notice of commencement letter shall not be eligible for reimbursement and shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner. All work shall be required to be completed within ninety (90) days of the “Award Date”; delays attributable to special circumstances, such as inclement weather, or other factors beyond the grantees’ control will be considered on an individual basis.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Below are the minimum eligibility requirements for the grant program:
- Property located within the Mt. Carmel Business Corridor Overlay District
- Applicant is the property owner or duly authorized representative
- Improvements must support lawful conforming uses per current zoning regulations
- Businesses shall not be classified as a Sexually Oriented Business pursuant to Article 12 of the Union Township Zoning Resolution
- Evidence of required permits shall accompany successful applications
- Improvement must be determined to be an “Eligible Improvement”
- Written estimate from licensed and insured contractor(s)
- Minimum Project Cost - $10,000.00 (total investment)
- Minimum Grant Award Amount - $5,000
- Maximum Grant Award Amount - $25,000
- Applications must include plans, elevations, & project scope/narrative
- Current on all property taxes, mortgage, etc.
- Valid Business Certificate with State of Ohio (if applicable)
- Evidence of Property/Casualty/Liability insurance
- Project completed within ninety (90) days of award date
IMPROVEMENT EXAMPLES
- Landscaping improvements along street frontages or adjacent to public areas of the structure
- Façade improvements
- Aesthetic treatments (new siding, paint, masonry enhancement, etc.)
- Upgraded windows, doors, and roof lines
- Streetscaping adjacent to the roadway facility
- Building expansion and/or demolition
- Monument signage
- Upgraded porches, awnings, sidewalks
- Driveway/walkway enhancements
- Historical preservation efforts
PROGRAM LIMITS
HOW TO APPLY
- Please complete the application and include all supplemental information.
- Your application must then be notarized.
- Mail or hand deliver the completed application with all relevant application materials to:
Mark McCormack, Executive Director Union Township Community Improvement Corporation, Inc. 4350 Aicholtz Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45245
- You will be contacted within two weeks with an application update.
To read the rules and program guidelines, click here.
Please contact Mark McCormack at 513.947.7323 or mccormack@utclermont.gov with any questions or to schedule a preapplication meeting to review eligibility, scope of improvements and more.