Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is making it easier for downtown property owners and business operators to get help fixing up their buildings. The city has been running a program that gives money to people who want to improve how their downtown buildings look from the outside. Now officials have made changes that will let more people participate and make the application process easier to understand. The program has already helped transform several buildings in the historic downtown area.

The Foley City Council recently approved updates to the Facade Improvement Incentive Grant Program. The program provides funding for projects that improve the exterior appearance of buildings and businesses. It covers properties in Foley's Local and National Historic Districts and the Foley Main Street District.

Miriam Boone, Foley's planning director, explained the main changes to the program. The city is expanding the boundaries from just the Main Street area to include the entire Foley Downtown Overlay District. This means more property owners will be able to apply for the grants. The city also worked with the Finance Department to make the reimbursement process smoother and more efficient.

Under the program, downtown commercial property owners or business operators can apply for reimbursement after they complete exterior improvements. Participants can receive up to $5,000, depending on how large the renovated area is. The money helps cover costs for things like painting, new signage, window repairs, and other exterior upgrades.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the program's success in improving downtown Foley. He said the grants have been very successful in helping upgrade the area. The mayor noted that the program works well because it has clear guidelines that applicants must follow. Both the finance department and community development staff watch the program closely to make sure everything is done correctly.

Hellmich called the facade program an important part of the city's efforts to improve downtown. He said it's another piece of the puzzle that Foley has used to upgrade the area. The program requires applicants to follow strict finance guidelines, and grants won't be awarded to those who can't meet the requirements.

Councilman Charles Ebert III emphasized that the program requires commitment from participants. Property owners have to pay for all the work upfront before they can get any money back. After the work is finished, city officials inspect it and approve it before issuing any reimbursement. This system ensures that only people who are serious about making improvements receive funding.

The changes to the program should make it easier for downtown business owners to understand where they can use the grants. By clarifying the boundaries and improving the application process, city officials hope even more property owners will take advantage of the opportunity to improve their buildings and contribute to downtown Foley's continued growth.