Nonprofit will distribute

money to brighten buildings.
By Jim Smedley
Staff Writer

NORWAY – Norway Downtown Revitalization says it’s time to spruce up the area.

And the group is going to help downtown property owners get the paint to do it.

The revitalization group was awarded a $4,000 Downtown Improvement Grant from the Maine Downtown Center to provide financial assistance to Main Street property owners who wish to paint the exteriors, siding or trim of their buildings. It’s a matching grant, meaning that the nonprofit will provide half of the cost of paint.

Property owners or tenants, who are approved, can apply for half of the total cost of paint, not to exceed $500.

Applicants will participate with members of the nonprofit’s design committee to discuss projects and select paint colors.

Approved projects must be completed by Dec. 31.

“The historic character of Norway’s downtown is one of its prime assets,” said the group’s program manager, Anne Campbell. “Main Street is filled with dozens of beautiful historic buildings, and it is important to maintain them. We are trying to do what we can to ease the financial burden on property owners.

“Our hope is to expand this program in the future, by creating a fund to provide low-interest loans and perhaps small grants for a wide range of facade improvements,” she said. More information and applications are available by contacting the Norway Downtown Revitalization office at 739-2215.

jsmedley@sunjournal.com

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