By RONDA GREGORY
News & Journal Staff Writer
Clarksburg offers a program each year that enhances the attractiveness of its neighborhoods and business areas.
The City of Clarksburg Sidewalk Improvement Program (aka “Neighborhood Sidewalk Program”), in place for more than ten years, allows residents and business owners alike the opportunity to improve their property with some help from the city, reported MS4 Director and Zoning Officer Adam Barberio.
Those residential property owners and non-residential commercial property owners who apply for the program and are approved will be partially reimbursed by the city for sidewalk renovations and construction.
“I think the benefit of the program is that it gives property owners a way to improve their sidewalks and get a little aid from local government,” Barberio said. “A key benefit is that it improves curb appeal, especially when you have multiple property owners participating in this program.”
A residential property owner can receive 70 percent of the actual cost of materials and labor up to a maximum cost of $1,500; a commercial business owner or tenant can receive 70 percent reimbursement up to $2,000.
Other property ownership scenarios can be considered for reimbursement as well, Barberio said, such as owning corner lots or multiple owners having adjacent properties.
For more details about these options or for more information about the program and guidelines, go to http://goo.gl/8Sh41; or call the Code Enforcement office at (304) 624-1633.
The application process for 2015 is already underway – running from May 1 through May 31.
The application period may be extended if funds are still available, Barberio explained.
“Last year we had upward of about $60,000 given out in reimbursements,” he reported.
Approvals are given on a first-come-first-served basis as the applications are received by the Code Enforcement Office. And a property owner may submit only one application for the 2015 period.
Applications may be picked up at the Code Enforcement Office on the Second Floor of City Hall at 222 West Main Street in Clarksburg.
All projects must be completed and submitted for reimbursement by July 30, 2015.
An application of any residential or commercial property owner or tenant won’t be considered for approval if the applicant is not current in the payment of city fire service protection fees and/or business and occupation taxes.
