Grant Helps Transform Bloomfield Storefront, Boosts ‘Curb Appeal’

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A façade improvement grant from the Bloomfield Center Alliance (BCA) recently gave a brand-new look to a local storefront.

According to the BCA, a building at 65 Washington Street was recently transformed with the help of its Façade Improvement Grant Program. The group shared the news in a recent social media post:

“Have you noticed anything different lately along the first block of Bloomfield Center's Washington Street? The exterior of one of the storefronts there has a brand new look! Check out the transformation of 65 Washington Street after one of the BCA's most recent grants helped remove a long present, rusted metal awning to expose a beautiful brick and stone façade (see before and after pictures). BCA's grant program is made possible with the support of Bloomfield Township. Property owner Mr. Dhan Kapadia (former proprietor of the Taj Mahal Gift Store) was on hand to see the work in progress which was completed within the last few weeks. Along with thanking the BCA for the grant, he extends warm wishes to all his former customers and patrons. He is excited to see the continuing changes happening around Bloomfield Center.”

Ollyn Lettman, director of the BCA, shared some more details about the program with Patch. Lettman wrote:

“With Bloomfield’s downtown commercial district continuing to change and grow in exciting ways, the Bloomfield Center Alliance offers its Façade Improvement Grant Program to established property and business owners who want to make an investment and contribute to the area’s ongoing transformation. The grants are funded through the township’s Community Development Block Grant Program and can be used to help subsidize the costs of various exterior improvements, including: new signs, awnings, lighting, replacement doors and windows, and painting. The program’s goal is to assist downtown owners seeking to enhance the ‘curbside appeal’ of their space, which in turn will help to improve the appearance of Bloomfield Center and subsequently attract more investment. Any property or business located within the district’s prescribed boundaries is eligible to apply and there are limits to how much can be received based on the extent of the proposed improvements. Applications are approved based on the proposal’s compliance with township guidelines and the degree to which the improvements enhance the exterior look of the property (and downtown streetscape). Recent grant recipients include Havana’s Restaurant and Café, Dev’s Jamaican Cuisine, and the Save and Rave Consignment Shop. Anyone interested in learning more about the program can contact BCA Director Ollyn J. Lettman – Phone #: (973) 429-8050/E-mail: director@bloomfieldcenter.com.”

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