This project provides for revitalizing commercial areas throughout Montgomery County with a focus on older commercial properties. The objective is to provide support to small businesses and to encourage private investment. Improvements will include gateway signage, pedestrian lighting, connectivity, streetscape elements, plant material installation, acquisition of long term facade and center signage easements, and other amenities. The Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) will begin the project with a focus on commercial areas proximate to residential improvement projects currently underway in DHCA's Focused Neighborhood Assistance program, which will serve as a complement to existing redevelopment efforts that are already in progress. This program will provide a comprehensive approach and balance residential and commercial revitalization activities in these aging communities. This program is not limited to the initially identified commercial areas and may also be expanded to other communities in the County.

Schedule change to reflect accelerated implementation of a facade easement project in FY22.

Cost change due to the transfer of funding to the White Oak Commercial Area Improvements and Revitalization project and addition of FY29 and FY30 to this ongoing project.

As older commercial areas throughout the County continue to age, it is important for the County to provide technical and financial assistance to assure those aging properties are improved to meet today's commercial standards and demands. The Countywide Facade Easement Program will require participants to maintain their properties for a negotiated term, with the intent to leverage investment provided by the public sector to encourage private property and business owners to make physical improvements to their buildings. The objective is to provide more attractive and aesthetically pleasing commercial environments that are safe shopping areas for residents and to generate a greater impact on the older commercial areas throughout the County.

DHCA will review various M-NCPPC master and sector plans to evaluate and identify specific commercial areas to participate in the program.

Some areas may be eligible for the Federal Community Development Block Grant funding. $500,000 in State Aid has been transferred to the White Oak Commercial Area Improvements and Revitalization project.

Expenditures will continue indefinitely. The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.

Office of the County Executive, Regional Services Centers, Office of the County Attorney, Department of Permitting Services, Office of Procurement, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Maryland Department of the Environment, and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.