MONTGOMERY— A part of downtown Monroeville is getting a facelift to prepare for new businesses that will bring new jobs thanks to a $175,000 grant awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey.
The Community Development Block Grant will provide infrastructure necessary for renovations to several buildings. The buildings on the downtown square will be converted for use as a restaurant, retail shop and housing. The businesses are expected to employ around 25 people.
“Monroeville is not only a place of charm and good people, it also is a shining example that small cities, particularly their downtowns, can thrive and prosper,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these funds to help bring new economic opportunities to Monroeville.”
CDBG funds will be used to upgrade sewage lines, reconstruct a parking area and install sidewalks in the rear of the buildings. Some of the existing sewer lines were installed as early as the 1930s and require upgrading to efficiently serve the area.
Forty-two East is a local firm that plans to renovate the former Monroe County Bank building at 5 N. Mt. Pleasant Avenue to include four upstairs apartments along with retail and office space. JWJ Investment Properties will renovate two buildings on Mt. Pleasant Avenue with plans to open a pizza restaurant and a retail and wine shop in one building and a loft apartment in the other building. Alabama Dumpster also plans an expansion of its existing building.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“This project is a culmination of people working together to get things done to make a good community even better,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I join Gov. Ivey in commending local leaders for their diligence in making this project a reality.”
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Charles Andrews that the grant had been approved.
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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