Westminster Businesses Get $75K Facelift with Help from State

The city of Westminster received a boost from the state of Maryland.

Westminster received $75,000 for its facade improvement program, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced Tuesday.

Westminster, Sykesville and Taneytown received a total of $225,000 in grants to improve their downtown areas through the state's Community Legacy program, which helps strengthen communities through funds supporting commercial revitalization and business retention.

Business owners or tenants in the Westminster Sustainable Community Area will be eligible for grants to improve their facades as long as they provide 50 percent of the funding themselves.

The town of Sykesville received $50,000 to improve lighting in the downtown area. Money will go toward restoring and repairing four historic lamp posts, buying lights for the area between an alley and a parking lot and adding lighting to the Main Street gazebo.

Sykesville also received a $50,000 grant for its facade improvement program, which provides 50 percent of funding for commercial property and business owners making facade improvements and enhancements for people with disabilities.

The city of Taneytown received a facade grant too for $50,000. To receive grants, property owners must provide 50 percent of the money for a project, which falls under the Maryland Standards of Rehab and Review Committee conditions.

Maryland announced Tuesday that it is providing $5.5 million in local projects through its Community Legacy program this year.