For Immediate Release:
April 21, 2014
Serenity by the Sea joins
Façade Improvement Program
Shop receives $1,767 check
BELMAR, NJ – The Grow Monmouth Façade Improvement Program recognized Serenity by the Sea for recent upgrades on April 19.
“Serenity by the Sea is receiving a reimbursement check for $1,767 that helps cover the costs associated with a new awning, window lettering and exterior lighting,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “Every Façade Improvement Program check helps make a needed improvement to a local business. This is the eighth check presented so far.”
Serenity by the Sea, known for creating “The Ice Pack Sack,” a unique hot and cold therapy pack, is located at 1004 Main St. in Belmar. Owner Jill Naughton-Capone accepted the reimbursement check from Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Gary J. Rich, Sr.
The program is part of the successful Grow Monmouth initiative that is utilizing HUD Community Development Block Grant funds to help improve the look of privately held commercial buildings located in HUD eligible areas of Monmouth County. No County funds are being used for the program.
HUD eligible areas include all or part of 26 of the County’s municipalities. Eligible municipalities are: Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Colts Neck (Naval station only), Deal, Eatontown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Hazlet, Highlands, Howell, Keansburg, Keyport, Lake Como, Manalapan, Matawan, Neptune City, Neptune Twp., Ocean Twp., Red Bank, Shrewsbury Twp., Tinton Falls (naval station only), Union Beach and West Long Branch.
Asbury Park, Long Branch and Middletown businesses are not eligible for this program because those municipalities receive designated HUD Community Development Block Grants directly.
“The County’s façade program is helping our local businesses in a very tangible way,” said Rich. “Businesses are applying for funding, having the work done and getting a reimbursement check. Matching funds are not required and the business sees immediate physical and financial results.”
To date, Monmouth County has dispersed $13,945 through the program.
For more information about the Grow Monmouth Façade Improvement Program please contact the Division of Economic Development at 732-431-7470 or visit the Grow Monmouth section of the County website at www.visitmonmouth.com.
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