Businesses will

have until Feb. 29

to apply for money.
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer

MEXICO – More businesses in the downtown area will be able to use federal money to spruce up the exteriors of their buildings.

Joseph Derouche, town manager and member of the Citizens Advisory Board, said at Wednesday’s meeting that he was able to get an extension to the Community Development Block Grant deadline earmarked for business facade improvements until the end of February. This will allow about a dozen additional downtown businesses to apply for money that would pay for half, or up to $4,300, toward projects that would beautify the outsides of their buildings.

Since the $214,000 grant went into effect more than a year ago, dozens of businesses have taken advantage of the financial incentive, said Derouche.

“This is the last chance for the remaining businesses to use this grant money,” he said.

The deadline, which was initially set at Oct. 31, was extended to Feb. 29.

The facade grant is one part of the town’s overall redevelopment plan. Some of the money from the facade grant is also being used to overhaul the parking lot at the rear of the town office. It has already been paved, work has begun on developing a trail system, and a gazebo is expected to be built in the spring.

Derouche said several people plan to work on cutting the wood for the 16-foot-diameter structure over the winter. Plans are also being made to landscape portions of the lot along the Androscoggin River.

A dedication of the structure will be announced sometime next spring.

The gazebo may very well play an important role in community events, such as providing a place for a farmers’ market, church activities and for the possible resurrection of the Fiesta del Rio annual community celebration.

In the meantime, the committee plans to work on a slogan, theme and mascot for the town, banners, downtown entrance signs, and other things that will draw attention to the town. An adopt-a-spot program, under the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, may also be started.

Derouche said, too, that the committee could evolve into a new downtown redevelopment committee. A similar committee, with the help of Hallowell consultant Rich Rothe, helped write the town’s redevelopment plan nearly a decade ago. That plan may be updated in the near future.

Two new members to the Citizens Advisory Board will be appointed at next week’s selectmen’s meeting. Derouche said the committee may be doubled in the near future.

Officers elected at Wednesday’s meeting were: Louise Arsenault, chairwoman; Marjorie Richard, vice chairwoman; and Connie Tutlis, secretary.

eadams@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link