Hoboken business owners impacted by the water main break on February 27th that caused a brief boil water advisory can apply for up to a $5,000 grant from the city.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Eligible businesses and/ or property owners in Hoboken who sustained physical property damage caused by the water main break repair can apply for up to $5,000 in funding here. The deadline to apply is November 22nd.
The fund is part of a joint effort between the city and the Hoboken Business Alliance after the council approved a $250,000 settlement, which included other infrastructure incentives, with contractor J. Fletcher Creamer and Son back in July, as HCV first reported.
“I’m very pleased to share that we are now offering grants to affected business and property owners who suffered financial losses earlier this year,” Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla said in a statement.
“I thank the HBA for their assistance in processing these applications, and encourage anyone who meets the criteria to apply.”
The eligibility requirements are for all operational Hoboken business during the time of the water break though businesses that were not yet operational at the time of the water main break but were preparing to open and experienced losses and/or delays are eligible as well.
Additionally, the business must be able to demonstrate financial losses and or physical damages incurred between February 27th and March 2nd that the business suffered as a direct result of the water main break.
Losses and damages covered by insurance may not be claimed.
Similarly, property owners must be located within Hoboken and have sustained physical property damage due to the water main repairs between February 27th and March 2nd.
Property owners and business owners are eligible to apply for assistance; however, funding requests may not be duplicated.
For example, if a property owner repaired building damages due to the water main break, the property owner may request assistance for those costs.
The business owner leasing this building may not request assistance for the same building repairs; however, the business owner may request assistance with other eligible expenses, such as product loss, revenue loss, etc., due to the water main break.
Business and property owners must demonstrate direct financial losses, physical damage to the property, equipment, or merchandise, and/ or lost wages to receive application approval.
“This grant program is designed to be easy and efficient, ensuring we can provide relief funds to as many businesses as possible before the end of the year,” added HBA Executive Director Roxanne Earley.
“We look forward to getting funds out of the door quickly in our continued partnership with the City to help bring financial relief to the businesses impacted by the water main break.”
