ASHLAND, Maine — Town officials are pursuing a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application in the amount of $150,000 to complete a facade improvement program.
“The purpose of the grant funds are to assist businesses in the downtown and surrounding area with a grant for exterior improvements, including signage, painting, siding, awnings, lighting, display windows and other approved exterior improvements,” explained Town Manager Ralph Dwyer.
This is the latest in a long line of grants and donations the town has received for betterment of the community.
“Ashland has received in excess of $2 million in grant funds over the past few years to undertake a variety of projects, such as assisting EcoShel, Inc., with a business start-up, conversion of the former elementary school into our Community Center, replacing water lines on the Garfield Road, and a corrosion control improvement project at the Ashland Water and Sewer District to address water quality issues,” said Dwyer, noting, “the $2 million in grant funds was leveraged with approximately $4 million in additional grants, loans, donations and private funds.”
He said the town “recognizes the positive impact that individual facade improvements and other investments can have on the overall appearance, quality and vitality of the town’s commercial district.”
“Ashland has four major highways leading into the downtown: from the north Route 11 connects with Fort Kent, Eagle Lake and Portage; from the south Route 11 connects with Patten and Sherman; from the east Route 163 connects with Mapleton and Presque Isle; and Route 227 connects with Presque Isle,” he said.
“The appearance of the downtown is in dire need of uplifting and improvements for visitors and residents coming from all directions,” said Dwyer.
The downtown currently has a mixture of commercial and residential buildings. Of the commercial buildings, Dwyer said there is a mixture of old and new.
“This program is for businesses, not private residents. If a business owner wants more information, they can call me at the Town Office at 435-2311,” said Dwyer.
While downtown needs improvements, Dwyer was pleased to note the Community Center is nearing completion.
“We’re still raising funds that will be used toward hottop. We also need a stove with the correct hooded ventilation system. We’re hoping to hold a grand opening sometime in July,” said Dwyer.
He credited public support for making the new facility possible.
“We received quite a few donations from local businesses, private individuals, gifts and grants. Every donation is very much appreciated and will benefit the entire community and beyond,” said Dwyer, noting the facility will be available for public use, including parties and receptions.
Dwyer is optimistic about receiving the CDBG funds.
“This will be good for the community and will allow us to beautify Main Street,” said Dwyer.
