NORWICH – The New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s Office of Community Renewal (OCR) announced Monday the Norwich Business Improvement District Management Association (BIDMA) has been awarded $500,000 as part of the 2010 New York Main Street Program.

“Downtown beautification is extremely important and we’re grateful to receive these grant moneys to assist downtown property owners,” said Norwich BID Executive Director Pegi Lopresti.

According to an August 27 letter received from NYS Housing Trust Fund Corporation Chairperson Brian Lawlor, OCR has awarded approximately $15 million to communities across New York State to support main street and downtown revitalization efforts.

“Working collaboratively with our local partners, these resources will help stimulate investment to expand affordable housing, provide job opportunities and create a sense of place to improve the quality of life for our communities,” stated Lawlor.

In an effort to gauge interest in the program, Lopresti said she first began notifying downtown property owners of the city’s intent to apply for a fourth round of Main Street Grant moneys in February of 2010.