By Michael Bushnell
Northeast News
October 6, 2015

Representatives and Board members of the Independence Avenue today issued the first rebate checks to businesses that participated in the façade Improvement program.

Rebates today were issued today to Scuola Vita Nuova, Spalitto’s Pharmacy and J. Edward Kendrick D.D.Ss and totaled roughly $10,500. The total project costs for those businesses however represent close to $30,000 in capital improvements along the Independence Avenue Corridor. “We’re excited about the possibilities this brings for façade improvements to businesses on the Avenue” said Bobbi Baker-Hughes, President of the CID.

Scuola Vita Nuova’s project included façade and parking lot improvements but also the installation of surveillance cameras on their property.  Spalitto’s Pharmacy had their parking lot paved and striped as well as updated their signage and Dr. Kendrick re-sealed and striped their parking area.

Those projects, according to Baker-Hughes spurred other businesses to make improvements to their properties as well. O’Reilly Auto Parts just completed a parking lot project, The old NAPA store has a fresh coat of paint for an incoming retail tenant, Walgreen’s completed a parking lot project, and the 99¢ store completed a façade and parking lot upgrade. “If you factor those projects in to the mix, that’s close to $75,000 in capital improvements along Independence Avenue.” The program runs through the end of the calendar year or until all rebate funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first.