Walking through the streets of New Berlin will soon look a little different. Two local businesses, New York Pizzeria and Redner's Grocery, will soon be updating their appearances with the help of a Village of New Berlin Main Street Grant.

Last year, the economic development affiliate of Commerce Chenango – Development Chenango Corporation (DCC) – announced that it had been awarded $250,000 in funding to establish the grant program in the Village of New Berlin.

Frank Baio, a familiar face in downtown New Berlin for more than thirty years is one of the two business owners to apply for a share of the grant money.

“The application process took a little longer than I had anticipated, but it paid off. I'm looking forward to working with Commerce Chenango to move forward with the renovations,” Baio said.

Baio explained that the grant money will assist his business with replacing the nearly 30 year old windows with energy efficient to both his restaurant front and rental units above the New Berlin pizzeria which has served village patrons since January of 1982.

According to Baio, upgrades to the HVAC heating systems and continuing the front facade to the south side of the building are also in the scope of work. He added, “My family and I are very thankful to the New York State office of community renewal and Commerce Chenango for assisting with the grant acquisitions. The grant money we will receive will help a great deal in not only improving the outside apparence of the business, but will also help us run a more profitable business by improving our buildings’ energy efficency,” Baio said.