YOUNGSTOWN — The city’s design review committee recommended the approval of two facade grants — one to a manufacturing company and one to a thrift store.

The committee on Tuesday recommended a $20,000 facade grant to Brilex Industries Inc., 1204 Crescent St., and an $8,000 grant to Good Vibes, a thrift store at 2714 Mahoning Ave.

Brilex is planning a $56,400 improvement project to its customer entrance. That includes new glass windows and panes, as well as the replacement of three doors.

Good Vibes is planning $16,000 worth of improvements to its roof.

City council in December 2022 approved setting aside $1 million of Youngstown’s $82.7 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the business facade program. It allows eligible companies to receive 50% of the cost, up to $20,000 each, to help pay for the cost of exterior improvements.

In order to get the grants, companies have to obtain permission from the design review committee. Companies must show they are paying at least half of the cost of the work being done.

The facade grants are forgivable loans with a five-year term. Every year a business remains open at their location in the city, 20% of the loan is forgiven until it reaches 100% in five years.

With this project, the committee has authorized 61 businesses to receive grants from the program.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the committee agreed to permit Verizon to replace three communications antennas on the south end of the roof of International Towers, 25 Market St.

The new antennas will be installed onto the existing mounts on the roof.