BUSINESS SERVICES
Slate Belt Rising is committed to the revitalization and historical preservation of the boroughs of Wind Gap, Pen Argyl, Bangor, and Portland. The Commercial Facade Improvement Program and Business Sign Program are designed to help improve the exterior appearance and condition of the commercial properties within the targeted boroughs. The program’s goals are to maintain historic and architectural integrity, improve neighborhood appearance, The commercial lease subsidy program is a pilot program to help encourage economic development and decrease commercial vacancy rates within the boroughs that will enrich, engage and inspire, always putting our participants at the forefront. Learn more about our available programs below, and be sure to get in touch with any questions.
COMMERCIAL LEASE SUBSIDY PROGRAM
The SBR Commercial Lease Subsidy Program, a pilot initiative by Slate Belt Rising and Community Action Lehigh Valley (CALV), aims to enhance our neighborhoods. The program strives to minimize vacancies in our business corridors and provide economic opportunities in the boroughs of Bangor, Pen Argyl, Portland, and Wind Gap. By offering businesses the support they need to establish themselves, we aim to create more vibrant downtown areas that attract other businesses and the talent required to build a competitive economy, thus establishing a stronger and more resilient community.
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Businesses intending to open a new location in one of the boroughs or an existing one seeking to expand into a second location within the boroughs may qualify for a portion of their lease cost being funded for the initial six months of their commercial property lease. However, businesses already located in the boroughs who wish to relocate to another borough are ineligible.
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Moreover, in 2023, the program will be broadened to include support for existing businesses that have experienced hardship due to natural disasters or other causes beyond their control.
FACADE SERVICES
Slate Belt Rising is committed to the revitalization and historical preservation of the boroughs of Wind Gap, Pen Argyl, Bangor, and Portland. The Residential and Commercial Façade Improvement Programs are designed to help improve the exterior appearance and condition of local properties. The program’s goals are to maintain historic and architectural integrity, improve neighborhood appearance, and help property owners make exterior repairs to their homes while increasing property values for all borough residents.
COMMERCIAL FACADE PROGRAM
COMMERCIAL FACADE BEFORE AND AFTER
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
STEVE + JESS KELLY
We are very grateful to have had our rental property selected to participate in the Commercial Façade Improvement Program.
When we had acquired our property, although rich in architectural elements and history, it was in need of many improvements due to deferred maintenance. Thanks to the program, we were able to make both cosmetic (painting, stucco, door replacements) as well as preventative (gutter repairs, deck board and siding replacement, chimney sealing) improvements. These enhancements benefit the residents that live in the property and improve the aesthetics for the entire community.
Initiatives like the Slate Belt Rising Commercial Façade Improvement Program make Bangor a more attractive place to work and live, and we would highly recommend that residents and business owners take advantage of these programs.
