Perth Amboy & Its Business Improvement District (BID) Increases Funding

Available for Façade Improvement Grants

Encouraging Firms to Renovate, Improve or Remodel their Properties in the BID

Perth Amboy BID Director Gary Rumpf presents façade grant to Maria Toscano, who owns and runs Toscano Consulting. The business is located at 389 Smith Street. Ms. Toscano and her team provide business clients with accounting, bookkeeping and payroll services.

The Perth Amboy Business Improvement District (BID) recently provided a façade grant to Journey to Wellness. The business completely renovated and improved the exterior of its building at 220 Market Street that houses a comprehensive treatment facility. The grant covers a portion of the company’s renovation costs. Shown in the photo at Perth Amboy City Hall are Gary Rumpf, chairman of the BID’s façade committee, and Anna Komissarenko, president of Journey to Wellness.

Press Release 4/25/17

PERTH AMBOY – Public and private sector alliances are energizing the ongoing transformation of Perth Amboy’s downtown business district. For example, more local companies, which are located in Perth Amboy’s Business Improvement District, are renovating the exterior of their properties, and they are applying for grants to cover a portion of the remodeling costs.

The City of Perth Amboy, Mayor Wilda Diaz and the BID have increased the amount of grant funding that is available for façade improvements during 2017. In 2016, the City and BID provided close to $25,000 to seven businesses. This year, the BID has doubled the amount of funds for façade grants, and it may increase the budget if there is a surge in applications.

In discussing the grant program, Mayor Diaz, who also serves on the BID board, said, “One of my main missions is help grow the City’s economy. The BID grants are one of the incentives we can offer local business owners who are willing to invest in their companies. Local businesses appreciate the financial support and the recognition that their renovations make Perth Amboy a more exciting place to shop, dine and explore.”

The BID provides façade grants for a range of business improvements and remodeling projects. The renovations include upgrading the lighting, modernizing storefronts and replacing display windows as well as improving entryways to create easier access. Businesses in the BID have also completely renovated their structures. Each project can attract new customers and spur repeat business.

Perth Amboy BID Director Gary Rumpf presents façade grant to Alejandri Quispe, who owns Maritza’s Boutique at 345 A State Street. The business created a modern, visually appealing storefront with a large display window. The local company designs and produces custom-made prom dresses and evening gowns, rents formalwear and plans events.

In recent weeks, the BID has supplied grants to the following companies that are located in the district:

·Grzankowski Family Trust completely transformed the Wilner Building at the corner of Smith Street and Herbert Street. The property will house four residential units and three retail spaces.

·Devine Health and Medical Supplies improved the exterior of its building at 377 Smith Street. The company sells and services home medical equipment.

·Journey to Wellness made significant improvements to its building at 220 Market Street. The company’s professional staff serves the community by providing outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment.

·Toscano Consulting restored and modernized the exterior of the property at 389 Smith Street. The company provides businesses with accounting, bookkeeping and payroll services.

·Maritza’s Boutique remodeled the storefront by adding modern display windows, lighting, signage and an improved entryway. The property is at 345 A State Street, and the company produces custom-made prom dresses and evening gowns, rents formalwear for men and creates special events.

After presenting the grants, BID Director Gary Rumpf, who chairs the Façade and Appearance Committee, said, “We are striving to create a downtown shopping and dining scene that attracts peopleand keeps folks coming back often. In essence, we are forming an alliance with local businesses that are willing to invest in their properties to make them more appealing. The BID is ready to assist business owners when they are ready to take a chance and make positive and significant changes to their properties.”

Companies that are planning property improvements are encouraged to contact the BID’s Executive Director Roxana Troche at 732.442.6421 or by email at rtroche@perthamboynj.org. The BID’s façade grants are available to businesses that are located in the BID.