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DDA reports $50,000 façade grant, Downtown Dollars circulation and streetscape study
Summary
Trenton’s DDA told the council it completed two business improvement grants including a $50,000 façade renovation, has issued about $36,000 in Downtown Dollars, and received a $4,000 SEMCOG planning grant for a West Jefferson streetscape study; an open house is set for Feb. 10.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presented its FY2025–26 informational report at the Feb. 2 Trenton City Council meeting, highlighting recent grants, marketing programs and downtown projects.
DDA director Angelia Busino said the DDA completed two business improvement grants in the past six months: a $2,000 sign grant at 2455 West Jefferson and a $50,000 façade renovation at 3360 West Jefferson. "We had... 2 completed projects for a business improvement grant," Busino said, and she invited residents to support the renovated businesses downtown.
Busino outlined the Downtown Dollars program, a community gift-certificate initiative, reporting the DDA has issued about $36,000 and sold roughly $30,000 of certificates through 15 participating merchants and promotional BOGO deals. She described event sponsorships (including Lobsterpalooza and Witches Night Out) and noted a $50,000 sponsorship to help renovate seating at the Trenton Village Theatre as part of the Legacy Project.
On planning, Busino said the DDA received a $4,000 SEMCOG planning assistance grant to support a West Jefferson streetscape study; the grant-funded project will conclude in June. She also noted completed design and paving of the Elm parking lot, ongoing Rotary Park development and a draft TIF and development plan for which the DDA is recruiting residents to a review committee.
Busino closed by inviting residents to a street master plan open house on Feb. 10 from 5:30–7 p.m. at City Hall and encouraged local support for downtown events and businesses.
The DDA report was presented as informational; council acknowledged the report and offered thanks to DDA staff for outreach and programming.
