the application

Download a pdf facade improvement grant application form.  Detailed instructions are contained in the application. 

information

With the firm belief that "everyone does better when everyone does better,” Turner Development Group has established a $50,000 fund to be used for matching façade improvement grants for residential and commercial properties located in the neighborhood of Westport.

how it works

• Property owners or tenants (with property owner’s approval) may submit applications for a matching grant to improve their property’s façade – new porch, new stairs, new door, new windows, paint, a new porch roof, a new sign (for businesses), etc. Grants will be awarded for 50% of the project cost up to a total grant amount of $2,000. (E.g., if the façade improvement costs $4,000, the grant award will be $2,000; if the façade improvement costs $1,000, the grant award will be $500, etc.)
• The applicant pays for the first ½ of the project cost, (plus amounts above the matching grant amount if the project costs more than $4,000).  Grant funds are paid directly to the approved contractor or are reimbursed to the applicant for the second ½ of the project cost (up to $2000), in accordance with the terms of the preapproved application.
• If the grant pays the second ½ of the project cost directly to the contractor, (rather than the applicant paying the total cost upfront and being reimbursed by the grant), the project must be completed by Westport Community Partnerships’ approved contractor.
• Living Classrooms’ Project SERVE is Westport Community Partnerships’ approved contractor.  A work crew consisting of five participants will work with one highly skilled supervisor to complete each façade improvement.  Westport residents will have the opportunity to apply for a position on the work crew through the Project SERVE Workforce Development program.

This added feature greatly increases the overall benefits of the program. Façade improvement grants will help Westport residents improve and increase the value of their homes. A series of façade improvements will give the neighborhood a quick face lift.  And the workers doing the job -- hopefully all from Westport -- will be learning new skills and entering into the workforce with the help of Project SERVE.

• Applicants may use their own licensed contractor if they pay for their total project cost up front, and get reimbursed for the second ½ upon the satisfactory completion of the project.  There are different application requirements as explained on the application form.    
• The Harbor Bank of Maryland is offering favorable façade improvement loans with good terms to help applicants cover their half of the project cost.  For more information, contact Philip Allen, Assistant Vice President/Retail Loan Officer, at 410-528-1800 ext 3057, or Irvina Mallory, Sr. Vice President, at 410-528-1800 ext 3030.

grant requirements & restrictions

• The property must be located in Westport.
• Improvements should be in harmony with the character of Westport and compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of adjacent buildings.
• The program cannot be used for new construction, acquisition, interior work or repair to rear of properties.
• The program is not available for work begun prior to application approval.
• The grant funds cannot be used to complete work that is out of compliance with city zoning laws, building codes, etc., unless the grant will bring the property into compliance. 
• All property owners must have a current homeowners/property insurance policy on their property.

design committee

• The Design Committee, which will review applications will be made up mostly of neighbors, a representative of Project SERVE, and other necessary participants.
• The committee will meet monthly as needed to review applications.
• The committee may also take on other neighborhood beautification projects, such as garden design and greening.

additional assistance with costs

• Working together with Living Classrooms Foundation, Westport Community Partnerships will continue to explore grants and other funding opportunities to expand and continue the Westport Façade Improvement Project. 
• If any grant funding is received, Westport facade improvement applicants may have to meet income and other additional eligibility requirements.

An application for $1 million in affordable housing funds to be used in connection with the matching facade improvement grant program was submitted to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta on June 16, 2008. It is a highly competitive application, so crossed fingers wouldn’t go amiss. Winners are to be announced in December 2008. 

additional information

baltimore city programs for critical repairs

• CHAP (must be below 80% median household income -- under $61,000)
• Deferred Loan Program (must be below 50% median household income -- under $39,000)
• Maryland Housing Rehab Services (must be below 80% median household income -- under $61,000)
• Emergency Roof Repair Program (must be below 50% median household income, seniors -- under $39,000)
• Lead Hazard Reduction grants and loans
• Lead Elimination Action Project (pregnant women and children)
• Single Family Loan Program
• Rebuilding Baltimore Loans

Note:  These programs are not always available. Visit the LIVE Baltimore website and the Baltimore Community Lending website for more details. 

important property tax forms

• Homestead Tax Credit
  For all owner occupied properties.  In Baltimore City, if your property is your primary residence, increases in your property’s assessed value, (upon which property taxes are calculated), may be capped at 4% per year.  This tax credit used to be automatic, but now you must complete and file an application form to receive the credit.  It is a one-time application. Once completed and submitted, you should continue to receive the credit as long as you own the property and continue to use it as your principal residence.  Click here for a PDF version of the form that you can complete, print and mail.  (Click here to find your property ID# in Baltimore City using your street address. In Baltimore City, the property id # is also the Ward, Section, Block, Lot numbers.)
• Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit
  Based on household income.  In addition to the cap on your property’s assessed value, (upon which property taxes are calculated), property tax increases may be further limited if you qualify for a property tax credit based on household income. To be eligible for the credit, your gross household income cannot exceed $60,000. You must apply for the credit each year.  (It makes the most sense to file the application form when you do your taxes since it’s based on income.)  The deadline to file an application is normally September 1^st, but this year, the state is extending the deadline to October 31^st.  Click here for a PDF version of the form that you can print, complete and mail.

the latest information

Stay tuned to this website for the latest news on the facade grant program.  Or join the email list for news and updates delivered directly to your Inbox.

Click here to download Facade Improvement Grant Application.