Community Improvement Plan

The Downtown Woodstock Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is designed to re-energize the downtown area with a variety of new and improved incentives. 

The CIP provides 10 programs, many of which can be combined with other incentives to create a strong business case for investing in the downtown.  Fill out this application and submit it to the economic development department.

Community Improvement Plan programs

Tax grant back program

We will grant back 100% of the increased city and County of Oxford portions of property taxes for a 5-year period if you make a physical improvement to a building.

Facade improvement loan program

We will provide a 10-year interest-free loan to encourage the refurbishment of downtown properties within the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA). The program provides interest-free loans of up to $25,000 per distinct building. Funding is available for 50% of the value of the project. Payments are not required during the first 5 years.

Beginning in year 6, you must make a minimum payment of $1,000 per year. Any outstanding balance is due by the end of year 10.

Facade grant program

We will provide a grant of up to $10,000 per storefront, or $30,000 for a corner building, for the refurbishment of existing facades. Similar to the facade loan program, funding is available for 50% of the value of the project.

Residential conversion and intensification program

We will provide grants of up to $5,000 per new unit, or $40,000 per application, to encourage the development of new residential units in the downtown.

In addition to the grant portion of the program, a 10-year interest-free loan of up to $10,000 per unit, or $80,000 per application, is also available. Funding is available for 50% of the value of the project.

Awning, signage and lighting program

We will provide a 1-time grant for eligible improvements to awnings, signage and/or lighting to a maximum of $3,000 per distinct building. Similar to the facade loan program, funding is available for 50% of the value of the project.

Non-street front facade loan

We will provide a 10-year interest-free loan of up to $25,000 for the restoration needs of the rear or alleyway facing portions of buildings in the CIP area. Similar to the facade loan program, funding is available for 50% of the value of the project.

Design grant program

We will provide a grant to assist with the preparation of a design study for restoration and preservation projects of up to $1,500 per applicant.

Grant in lieu of permit fees

We will grant back municipal permit fees (building permit fees, sign fees, etc.) paid as part of a project that enhances the development process.

Legal and registration costs

We will be responsible for the cost of legal and registration fees to those accessing CIP programs.

Parking fee grant-back

We will grant back the cost of municipal parking permit fees for certain targeted developments.

For information about the community improvement plan, contact us.