SALEM — Four storefronts in Salem’s Point neighborhood will receive a makeover thanks to a $10,000 grant from MassDevelopment.
Awarded to North Shore Community Development Coalition (North Shore CDC), the funding will be used to improve and drive traffic to four businesses located at 117 Lafayette St.
The initiative, dubbed The Salem Small Business Economic Recovery project, will involve using the funds to add artwork, signage, and other aesthetics to update the storefronts’ facades. Part of the plan is to paint “Hola Mi Gente” (“Hello My People”) on the Harbor Street side of the building. The message will be surrounded by leaves and greenery; as the design wraps around the building, it will evolve from leaves to reflect what each business offers.
The funds were awarded to the North Shore CDC through MassDevelopment’s special Commonwealth Places COVID-19 Response Round: Resurgent Places. This program was made available specifically to assist local economic recovery efforts as community partners prepare public spaces and commercial districts to serve residents and visitors.
With COVID-19 prioritizing the need for social distancing and other safety measures, businesses have been forced to adapt. Funds provided by MassDevelopment’s special Commonwealth Places COVID-19 Response Round: Resurgent Places help companies adapt to the ever-changing nature of business due to the pandemic.
“This grant will add vibrancy to a significant building in Salem’s historic and diverse Point neighborhood in a way that reflects the local community and draws foot traffic to the small businesses located there,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “MassDevelopment has been proud to support the great work of North Shore Community Development Coalition and their efforts to strengthen the Point neighborhood, and we’re excited to deliver this targeted assistance today.”
Commonwealth Places aims to engage and mobilize community members to make individual contributions to placemaking projects, with the incentive of a funding match from MassDevelopment if the crowdfunding goal is reached.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MassDevelopment announced the opening of the first Commonwealth Places COVID-19 Response Round: Resurgent Places in June 2020, and from August to October 2020 awarded $224,965 in funding for 21 placemaking projects across Massachusetts.
