Pictured, left to right, are Lakesite Vice Mayor Bobby Bishop, Commissioner Michelle Wilson, Travis Denham with Lakesite Wine and Liquor, Commissioner Valerie Boddy, Mayor David Howell and Commissioner Wayne Behlau
Pictured, left to right, are Lakesite Vice Mayor Bobby Bishop, Commissioner Michelle Wilson, Erik Cilen, owner of New York Pizza Department, Commissioner Valerie Boddy, Mayor David Howell and Commissioner Wayne Behlau
Pictured, left to right, are Lakesite Vice Mayor Bobby Bishop, Commissioner Michelle Wilson, Commissioner Valerie Boddy, Mayor David Howell, Richard Harvey, co-owner/president S & H Erectors, Jason Ford, Controller S & H Erectors, Debbie Bellmore, Accounts Receivable S & H Erectors, and Commissioner Wayne Behlau
In the fall of 2024, the City of Lakesite launched a Façade Improvement Program aimed at assisting both new and existing businesses within the commercial business district. This initiative was designed to enhance the attractiveness of their properties and businesses to consumers and potential tenants. The grant program offered approved businesses 50/50 matching grant funds of up to $5,000 per project, available after the completion of the eligible project.
The City of Lakesite allocates funds annually to support this grant program.
The selection committee, which includes two community members, the city manager, the mayor and the building official, oversees the program. Three local businesses—Lakesite Wine and Spirits, S & H Erectors and New York Pizza Department—applied for and were approved for matching grants to improve their projects. All three have successfully completed enhancements to revitalize and beautify Lakesite’s business district.
Officials said, "Jason Ford of S & H Erectors utilized program funds to replace the roof façade of the administrative building, which is prominently visible from Hixson Pike. The old shingles were removed and replaced with new, aesthetically pleasing ones. S & H Erectors has been providing industrial maintenance and steel fabrication since 1968 and operates in the tallest and most noticeable building in the business district.
"To attract more customers, Erik Cilen of New York Pizza Department installed a new digital sign to promote events and food specials. Since its establishment in 2021, New York Pizza Department has grown in popularity as a sit-down restaurant known for its good food, drinks and live music events.
"David Denham, the proprietor of Lakesite Wine & Spirits, effectively utilized the funds from his grant to enhance the existing road signage and install a prominent sign on the establishment's exterior. Family-owned Lakesite Wine & Spirits has been in business since 2005 and is dedicated to providing an extensive selection of wines and spirits.
“Lakesite Wine & Spirits would like to thank the Lakesite City Commission for assisting businesses in Lakesite with the Lakesite Façade Grant,” said Mr. Denham. “The Façade Grant helped us to update the signage on our business. Our city is known as the best small city in Tennessee, and we are very proud to be part of it.”
“Lakesite launched the Façade Improvement Program to demonstrate its commitment to the city’s business district,” said Kirsten Ert Acuff, Lakesite city manager. “With one of the lowest property tax rates in the state, currently at $0.1336 per $100, Lakesite is able to fund many services primarily due to robust tax revenues from the business district. The Façade Improvement Program grant serves as a way to show appreciation for local businesses and to further enhance the district.”