A bid to continue a state and city partnership that has resulted in nearly $288,000 in downtown Oil City building facade improvements is in the hopper.
Oil City council has submitted an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for $50,000 in facade grant funding.
The money would be earmarked for the city’s Main Street Program that oversees the facade project.
Grants are limited to $5,000 and require a 50 percent match from the business or property owner.
The program, said Bailey, is a key initiative because “attractive streetscapes are critical in making a business district vibrant for residents, visitors and future business development.”
Two earlier rounds of facade grants totaled $109,000 and assisted 47 downtown projects. Adding in building owners’ investments, the overall improvement tally was pegged at nearly $288,000.
The approval of a third grant would allow the Main Street program to expand its designated area, now confined to limited areas within the commercial districts on the city’s North and South Sides.
The Main Street Program is also working on a project that will feature the installation of new murals in downtown Oil City this fall.
Bailey said the organization is working with property owners to finalize details and set a timetable for installation.
Two murals have been proposed for under the Veterans Bridge at the entrance to Justus Park. The themes for the underpass murals include oil history, wildlife, nature and recreation, said Bailey.
