The Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency again will provide facade grant funding for local businesses to paint, remodel or generally improve the appearances of their storefronts.

Applications will be available on the city’s Web site, http://www.coosbay.org, and at the City Hall Public Works and Development Department, 500 Central Ave., beginning Oct. 1. Completed applications will be accepted beginning Nov. 1, with the department processing them by early December.

The program operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The urban renewal program provides financial assistance to property owners and independent businesses that are tenants of commercial properties to encourage enhancing the appearance and commercial viability of the districts.

Matching grants will be awarded up to 50 percent of the project cost from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 for tenants, and a maximum of $25,000 for building owners. A total project under $2,000 will not be eligible for assistance under this program. Applications must include a minimum of three competitive bids for labor and material costs.

Businesses that took advantage of the program in 2007 included Michael A. Gordon, CPA, LLC; the Blue Heron restaurant; South Coast Office Supply; Sweeney’s Auto Body & Paint; the law office of Jack DePlois; Mingus Park Apartments; and North Point Realty. 

For more information, those interested can call the Coos Bay Planning Division at 269-8918.