Wanted: Downtown property owners to share facade improvement grant money

Lebanon city officials are looking for property owners within the central business district who would like to improve their exterior appearance.

The city is preparing an application for funding through the Main Street Matters Facade Grant Program and hopes to find downtown property owners to participate.

According to a release, the city is requesting $100,000 in state funding, which could be offered to property owners in individual grants of up to $10,000 for improvements to eligible commercial or mixed-use buildings. Funds will be used to support exterior improvements that enhance the appearance, historic character, and economic vitality of the downtown.

Participating property owners will be expected to match the grant amount – so, for instance, a $10,000 grant would be given to a project that costs at least $20,000. Projects must be planned for completion in 2026.

“To strengthen our application, we must demonstrate documented demand from interested property owners,” the release explained. “Participation at this stage is not a commitment, but an expression of interest that will help us demonstrate local demand and improve our chances of securing funding.”

Potential participants must fill out a letter of interest, including information such as the estimated total project cost and a brief description of the proposed facade improvement, by Friday, Aug. 22. Applicants are also asked to include an image of the building’s current condition.

If awarded, the city will follow up with next steps for a formal application and program guidelines, the release said.

Information should be emailed to Janelle Groh at jgroh@lebanonpa.org. Questions may be directed to the city by calling 717-639-2800, ext. 5.