LEDC/Main Street see facade program as way of working together

Special to the Sun
Linden Economic Development Corporations

With Linden’s becoming a Main Street City, Linden Economic Development Corporations’ (LEDC) first order of business was having the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) program management moved from the 4B EDC to Main Street.  
The HOT program was developed by LEDC for the city, and the city council designated the 4B EDC executive director to manage the program. LEDC worked with City Administrator Bob Swisher and obtained council approval to move the HOT Program to Main Street management.  
The next order of business is to move the Facade Improvement Program (FIP) to the Main Street Program. 
The Linden 4B EDC, with the approval of the city council, established a program in 2011 to assist owners of commercial buildings located in the Historic Main Business District with improving their buildings’ facades. Titled the “Facade Improvement Program”, it is intended to assist in improving retail building facades and complementing the courthouse renovation project and sidewalk project, thereby helping to market the downtown business district to visitors and local residents.  
The 4B EDC board of directors has requested the city council consider moving the program to Main Street. LEDC, with council approval, would be able to assist Main Street though matching grant funds for the Facade Improvement Program.