For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 22, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Maynard BEEP Program a Success, Grant Funding Still Available

MAYNARD — Town Administrator Kevin Sweet is pleased to announce the success of Maynard’s Business Environment Enhancement Program (BEEP) and would like to remind businesses that limited grant funds are still available.

Town Planner Bill Nemser came up with the idea for BEEP shortly after joining the town staff several years ago. He realized the potential to improve Maynard’s already friendly and walkable downtown by reimbursing local business owners who enhance the exterior of their facilities.

Several local businesses have taken advantage of the program to spruce up their storefronts, undertake façade improvements and add exterior signage and lighting features. Cafe India, Kind Goods, El Huipil and MetroWest Kung Fu each have projects approved or underway.

Town Administrator Sweet attributes the success of the BEEP to many recent investments in the downtown area.

“The Assabet Valley Cultural District designation and successful events like the recent Maynard Business Alliance ‘Sip-‘n-Stroll’ have been drawing out-of-town visitors in addition to locals which has put a spotlight on downtown Maynard,” Town Administrator Sweet said. “People want to look their best and many businesses have made terrific improvements.”

Sweet also lauds the grant’s flexibility. “Not a day goes by that I don’t hear a great idea from a resident, a business owner or a board member, but many of these ideas lack funding and don’t have someone to spearhead them. What the BEEP does is provide an opportunity for somebody who has an idea and a vision, to put those plans in motion for the benefit of the entire community.”

In addition to exterior improvements, BEEP grants also fund sustainable initiatives to make the community an attractive place to do business, such as art programs in collaboration with the Maynard Cultural Council and Assabet Village Cultural District, the installation of hanging flower baskets on downtown light poles and bike racks, and the development and distribution of more than 3,000 downtown dining and entertainment guides to local retail businesses.

In general, BEEP grant applications must demonstrate that the project will result in improvements to the exterior of the premises or affecting the area immediately adjacent to, and visible from, the exterior of the building. Most projects receiving awards are funded at a 50 percent reimbursement rate.

“Anyone considering making business or property improvements should complete an application very soon as there is a limit to available funds,” said Maynard Economic Development Committee Chair Jack MacKeen.

The program is administered by the Maynard Economic Development Committee and each grant is approved by the Maynard Board of Selectmen. BEEP applications are available on the Town of Maynard website. For additional information contact Bill Nemser at 978-897-1302 or bnemser@townofMaynard.net.

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