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The North Street Revitalization Project is bringing new energy and the promise of restored economic vitality to Burlington’s historic Old North End. Public improvements, building rehabilitation, community organizing and economic development assistance are just a part of a comprehensive community effort to improve the quality of life in this mixed-use neighborhood and re-establish the vibrancy of the City’s former downtown center. The Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) manages the project and is committed to neighborhood improvement on North Street. Its goals include creating housing opportunities, empowering residents, supporting neighborhood-oriented businesses and improving the public street. Reconstruction of North Street means many things to many people. It begins with putting utilities underground and installing new granite curbs, sidewalks, streetlights, traffic signals, crosswalks and trees. It will end with an entirely new streetscape and improved potential for new businesses and neighborhood pride. This project is underway and will be completed in the summer of 2005. It is having an immediate impact on the residents and businesses on and around North Street, and eventually will benefit all 10,000 residents of the Old North End. The broad goal is to encourage reinvestment in the area by rebuilding the physical, social and economic infrastructure of one of Burlington’s longest standing commercial neighborhoods. The community has a clear vision of a safe and thriving North Street - a neighborhood where residents and businesses work together to improve commercial and residential properties and create economic opportunity for new business and services. EXAMPLES OF INVESTMENT ON NORTH STREET
RESOURCESCEDO BUSINESS LOAN AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCEStarting, growing, or relocating a business requires a comprehensive approach and a knowledge of area resources. CEDO provides free, professional, and confidential assistance and administers a Business Loan Program. The Business Loan Program features:
CEDO can help you navigate other city departments such as Planning & Zoning and Public Works. We publish a Guide to Doing Business in Burlington that is freely available here or on disc. This award-winning guide provides the streetwise guidance you’ll need to execute your plans. It also includes nearly all the local, state, and federal forms you’ll need as a business owner. For more information, contact: Ed Antczak, Economic Development Specialist CITIZENS BANK FOUNDATION FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTSCitizens Bank Foundation is generously providing grants for significant commercial facade improvements in the North Street Revitalization area. These grants will be made in concert with CEDO’s new Facade Improvement Program (FIP). FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMThe Facade Improvement Program (FIP) will provide $1 to $1 matching grants up to $2,500 along with flexible loans on a reimbursement basis for eligible exterior improvements that significantly improve the aesthetics of commercial buildings (not residential rental properties) in the North Street Revitalization Project area. Property and business owners (with the permission of the property owner) of buildings with commercial uses, which include restaurants, retail stores, shops, private nonprofits and professional and personal services in the North Street Revitalization Project area, may apply. ADDITIONAL FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PARTNERS Generously contributing to the architectural restoration and aesthetic improvements in the Project area will be the Preservation Trust of Vermont (for assessments of historic buildings) and Architect Brad Rabinowitz (design, consulting, and technical assistance services). The FIP is administered by CEDO. For more information, contact: Ed Antczak, Economic
Development Specialist FREE PAINTNorth Street area property owners may be eligible for free exterior paint. This could help spruce up your commercial facade. For more information, contact: Lisa Chicoine, Housing
Programs Specialist RENEWAL COMMUNITY WAGE CREDITS AND OTHER TAX INCENTIVESBusinesses in the North Street area are eligible for significant wage credits if they hire residents from the same area. Financial incentives for new construction, substantial rehabilitation of commercial buildings, and making your property more accessible are also available. For more information, contact: Bruce Seifer,
Assistant Director Economic Development FEDERAL & STATE HISTORIC REHABILITATION TAX CREDITSYou may be eligible for substantial federal and state tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic properties. To see if your building or project qualifies, contact: Chris Cochran, Vermont Division for
Historic Preservation ZONINGNorth Street from North Avenue to North Winooski Avenue is zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC). Below is a list of allowable uses in the NC. Those marked with a “Y” are permitted uses. Those marked with a “D” are subject to approval from the Development Review Board. Any change of use requires review, so plan accordingly. Prior to signing a lease, we advise that you have a conversation with the Planning & Zoning Department or CEDO to address upfront any issues relative to the use of a proposed space. For more information, contact: Planning & Zoning Department Allowable Uses List D = Subject to approval by Development Review
Board D - Amusement Arcade
Page last updated June 27, 2005 |
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