LIMA, OH (WLIO) - A long-time Lima business is getting a facelift thanks to a new grant program coming out of a joint effort.
Bob's Laundry (660 S Metcalf St Lima, OH 45804) has been serving the Lima community for 60 years and today they were the first recipient of the "Better Blocks for Business Grant". It's a partnership between the City of Lima and the Lima Community Improvement Corporation to assist neighborhood businesses along commercial corridors in distressed and underserved neighborhoods.
"We're going to fix the masonry and the bricks and then paint. Doing trim and we're also going to get the roof redone on the building. The money for the repairs for the building helped us free up money so we could get the roof done this year," explained Michael Richer, owner of Bob's Laundry.
"These people have been in this location forever, doing great work for our community. It's a needed service and we're very honored to be able to help them improve the facade of their building," commented Gary McPheron, board member of the Lima Community Improvement Corporation.
"When they approached us about it I just couldn't believe it. Then they awarded it to us and it was great. We're able to help other small businesses in our town. So that you know, the money trickles down. It stays in Lima and helps our people," said Suzanne Rachlin, owner of Bob's Laundry.
Rachlin is talking about the businesses that will be doing the work on their building being local. That is all part of the grant program supporting local businesses in many ways. The grant was for $15,000. The Better Blocks for Business Grant program will be looking for additional businesses that meet the criteria. You can find details at https://www.cityhall.lima.oh.us/808/Workforce-and-Small-Business-Development
