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The Jenkintown Community Alliance (JCA) is making visible changes to the Borough’s downtown store fronts with its Jenkintown Design Challenge Program. To encourage architecturally appropriate renovations and restoration of building façades to their original appearance, the JCA – a state funded Main Street Program – is utilizing funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to stimulate private investment in façade improvements. Jenkintown is awarded up to $25,000 annually to be used as matching grants for such things as signs, awnings, exterior painting and cornice work. Reimbursements up to $3,500 per year may be allocated to any one business location as long as the funds do not exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. Since JCA became a member-based organization in January, this façade grant is an added benefit of membership.

Since the Design Challenge Program began in early 2004, 20 businesses have taken advantage of the funds, with another four in the works. Renee Sack, owner of Sack’s Plaza, installed an overhanging sign on her building. “Every little bit helps,” says Sack. Fill A Bagel’s general manager Jeff Klinger says that the restaurant put up its logo on an oval sign held in place by wrought iron brackets. “Our business is now easier to find,” says Klinger. Gerrie Breslin, owner of Breslin’s Consignment Corner says, “People love my new door, awning and sign. I’ve been here 25 years, and it’s a drastic, positive change.”

According to the Jenkintown Community Alliance’s executive director, Moira Shaughnessy, the Design Challenge Program will continue for up to two more years. For further information on the grant and how to become a member of the JCA, contact Moira S. Shaughnessy at 215-517-5507.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 19th, 2005 at 11:03 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.