HONESDALE, PA - As part of the Downtown Honesdale Revitalization Plan, the GHP’s Director applied and received the DCED’s Keystone Communities Program Façade Grant.

Façade grants are available through the Department of Community and Economic Development to stimulate private investment in properties, foster an attractive environment, and preserve the architectural heritage of properties and communities.

The grant funds are for primary street-facing, exterior building improvements in a defined target area of downtown, such as storefront signs, exterior façade painting, design assistance, etc. General requirements for each façade improvement may not exceed $5,000 and requires a dollar-for-dollar match.

Façade funding cannot be on outbuildings on a property, interior work, landscaping, and general site improvements to sidewalks and paved areas.

GHP will be holding a meeting with interested parties to review the Façade Grant Application on August 4 at 4:30 p.m., Chamber of the Northern Poconos Community Room, 32 Commercial Street, Honesdale, PA.

GHP’s eleven-member Design Committee will be responsible for reviewing and recommending the grant applications to the GHP Board of Directors.

The Board will have the final vote on all applications received.

GHP’s consultants, Derck & Edson, completed the Downtown Honesdale Revitalization Plan in February 2021. In addition to façade improvements, updating infrastructure, sidewalks, electric poles, and crosswalks will create a safer pedestrian environment improving the quality of life for everyone who shops, dines, visits, and resides here. These are not the only improvements to increase revenue in the Honesdale Borough; with the addition of a parking garage, zoning restrictions will allow building owners to renovate their upper apartments.

Most of the revitalization funding will come through federal, state, and local grants. GHP is accepting other tax-deductible contributions through WayneFoundation.org. A small donation will make a BIG impact.

While Honesdale’s authentic small-town charm and sense of community remain strong, the community needs to continue to evolve. Honesdale proudly leverages its already beautiful downtown infrastructure to build its future, providing an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs, small businesses and investors.