Andrew Abraham, owner of Shirley's India, spoke with News 12 about New Rochelle's Retail Tenant Improvement Fund grant and what he plans on doing with the money.

The grant is apart of a larger revitalization plan named "The Downtown Retail Strategy," which aims to revitalize the city and its downtown area.

According to New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, a total of 70 businesses applied for the Retail Tenant Improvement Fund grant.

Hours to Exit, Casaroma Cafe, Touch D. Medical Spa, The Lincoln Park Conservancy History and Cultural Center, Teriyaki Madness, Roc N Ramen, The Monarch Reserve and Andrew Abraham, with Shirley's India and Mona, were all awarded grants.

Abraham was awarded a $250,000 grant, which he says will allow him open Mona and a beer garden, neighboring Shirley's India.

"When you set out goals for yourself, you think years down the line...and things in that type of frame. But, the grants that came in through from the city is allowing me to do things I wanted way faster and with way more support," he said.

The grants will go toward physical improvements, expansion and relocation costs for current and new tenants in the area.

"It allows small business owners and property owners to really experiment or maybe close a gap, and achieve a dream they've had for their space, or open up a new kind of retail, entertainment, or restaurant space in the downtown," said Mayor Ramos-Herbert.