Northampton_RRP Rubric for Proposed Project_StorefrontRRP Rubric for Proposed Project*
Last Updated 6/8/2021
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Project Title
Develop a "Storefront Improvements Program"
Origin
Civic Space Collaborative Field Survey
Location/Census Tract
Downtown Northampton (see map attached)
Budget & Sources of Funding
Medium ($50k-200k)
Timeframe
Short-term (Less than 2 years)
Risks
Low-Risk
Potential Lack of participants
Disconnect between landlords and tenants
Very limited number of businesses that would be eligible for CDBG support
Key Performance Indicators
Number of businesses/storefronts served
Increase in revenues/foot traffic
Average grant per renovation/modification
Address accessibility issues
Partners & Resources
Downtown Northampton Association (DNA)
Greater NorthamptonChamber of Commerce
Historic Northampton
City of Northampton
Diagnostic/ COVID-19 Impacts
84% of businesses surveyed (n=82) saw a decrease in revenues as a result of the pandemic, severely limiting income for local businesses to make improvements
27% of businesses survey expressed a desire for low-cost financing for storefront/façade improvements
Peripheral businesses outside of Main Street need acute attention in an effort to enhance a sense of place
Improve consistency of form across buildings
Action Item
Identify current obstacles preventing storefront improvement and uniformity
Develop program and/or design guidelines
Identify funding source for initial startup and first phase of administration
Covid disproportionately impacted those with accessibility needs
Process
TBD