Lynn stores receiving needed makeover

LYNN – Federal dollars are pouring into the city to give storefronts along Market Street a much-needed facelift.Work was under way Monday along a stretch of seven stores between 12 and 30 Market St. in the central business district.Among those establishments to benefit from the city-administered facade program are North Shore Vacuum, Good Days Video, California Nails, Nuri’s Bakery, Rosa’s Place of Beauty, J&M Dollar Discount and Taqueria Mexico Lindo.”We have those seven facade projects in progress. The buildings have a common landlord, but the way the facade program works, the business owner pays the expenses up front and then gets reimbursed from the city for up to $4,000,” said James Marsh, city director of Community Development. “It’s an inexpensive way to fix up a storefront, especially for the business owner.”Marsh said the city already has installed antique decorative lighting along Market Street as part of a downtown improvement plan.”We don’t want to have antique light posts that cost $4,000 apiece with a dilapidated storefront as the background.”Michael Murray, the city’s community facilities assistant manager, said three additional merchants have filed applications for the Community Facade Grant Program and five others have had their projects completed.The five stores with new facades are Caruso Pizza on Union Street, the Dragon Inn at the corner of Market and Oxford streets, Tony’s Pub on Franklin Street, A&S Market on Commercial Street and Action Auto on Central Avenue.”The grant can involve a new awning, a new sign or both,” Murray said.Marsh explained that the program empowers the city to conduct a design review, which ensures the improvements coincide with city sign ordinances and maintain a central theme. “They have to meet our design standards,” he said.Marsh noted that funds for the facade program are obtained from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, adding that the initiative is part of the city’s Market Street Vision Plan. Merchants are urged to apply, he said.