The aesthetic appearance of Lehighton’s downtown is about to get a boost following the awarding of facade grant funding.

That’s after borough council unanimously agreed recently to award $215,105 to applicable facade grant applicants.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire noted the borough will fund 90% of the projects that it deemed applicable up to $25,000 through the grant it received last year.

DeWire said projects ranged from $7,700 to $37,000, and that three projects are eligible for the full $25,000.

After the meeting, DeWire provided a list of the businesses that were awarded, along with the scope of work, cost and amount funded.

• Lorenzo’s Pizza, 489 N. First St., stone veneer, paint ($12,300 cost), $11,070 funded.

• Crazy for Closeouts, 207 N. First St., new windows, paint ($17,900 cost), $16,110 funded.

• First National Pharmacy, 143 N. First St., new doors, new lighting ($7,695 cost), $6,926 funded.

• Former Lady Serpentine, 127-129 N. First St., new doors, new windows, soffit, siding, fascia, paint ($37,550 cost), $25,000 funded.

• Claypoole’s (storefront) General Store, 101 N. First St., awning, new windows, paint ($26,562 cost), $23,905 funded.

• Claypoole’s (building) General Store, 101 N. First St., awnings, windows, paint, hardware ($24,600 cost), $22,140 funded.

• One More Chapter LLC, 131 S. First St., awning, brick veneer, new doors, new windows ($35,062 cost), $25,000 funded.

• Alfie’s Pizza, 136 S. First St., awning, masonry work ($34,655 cost), $25,000 funded.

• Former barbershop, 178-180 S. First St., trim, paint ($9,612 cost), $8,651 funded.

• Anthracite Vintage Mercantile & Auctions, 101 N. Main Lane, awning, new doors, stucco, paint ($24,083 cost), $21,675 funded.

• Trailside Events, 201 N. Main Lane, awning, new doors ($10,545 cost), $9,491 funded.

• Uncommon Grounds, 101 N. Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Blvd., awning, new doors, stucco, paint ($22,375 cost), $20,138 funded.

DeWire noted that the borough received a $250,000 grant in April 2024 from state Sen. David Argall and state Rep. Doyle Heffley to support downtown beautification efforts through facade improvements.

Borough Mayor Ryan Saunders said he spoke with Argall over the weekend and that he was very thrilled to hear about it and was looking forward to seeing the progress.

DeWire noted at last month’s borough council meeting that there has been significant interest in the facade grant program in the borough, adding that the borough received 16 applications.

The purpose of the facade program is to encourage property owners to improve the appearance of their buildings.

The Facade Grant Committee includes council members Autumn Abelovsky, Rebecca Worthy and Saunders.

Eligibility for the grant program is limited to commercial properties located in the borough’s C1, C2 and C3 zoning districts.

Qualifying projects include facade improvements such as siding, paint, brickwork, windows, doors, porches, signage and awnings.

Nonqualifying projects include sidewalks, roofing, landscaping and any work completed before the application.

To qualify for funding, property owners were required to submit a completed application, along with current photos of the building’s facade

Only one application per registered mailing address was allowed. Applicants also had to be in good standing with local taxes, utility bills and code enforcement.

Estimate requirements varied by project cost:

• Projects up to $10,000 required at least one written estimate from a licensed contractor.

• Projects between $10,000 and $20,000 required at least three written estimates.

• Projects exceeding $20,000 required at least one written estimate and would be put out for public bid.

The final selection of contractors for awarded projects will be made by council vote. There is no guarantee that the contractor(s) who provided estimates will be awarded the work.

A 10% funding match is required for all approved projects. The borough will reimburse 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of $25,000, following submission of formal invoices from licensed contractors.

All work must be completed and invoiced within one year of the public notification of funding awards.

If a project exceeds its budget or undergoes a change in scope, any additional funding will be at the discretion of the borough council.