City Seeks Public Guidance on How to Use Grants

The City Council will seek public comment Monday on how to set priorities for projects to be funded this year from county-issued Community Development Block Grants.

The city plans to ask the county for $270,000 in grants this year for community programs and several rehabilitation projects.

A city advisory committee, which for two months has been reviewing merits of the various projects, is asking the council to put at the top of the list $40,000 to pay for a neighborhood preservation officer.

The officer would be responsible for resolving code enforcement violations with residents and starting community pride programs in neighborhoods.

Second on the list, the committee recommends $20,000 be used to repair sidewalks, curbs and gutters and install wheelchair ramps. The panel then would seek $35,000 to renovate restrooms at Laurel Park, $115,000 to build a restroom facility at Little Cottonwood Park and $60,000 to help low-income residents rehabilitate their homes.

Last year, the city applied for $373,000 in grants for six projects. The county issued funding for three of those totaling $105,000.

Monday’s session will be at 6:45 p.m. in council chambers, City Hall, 3191 Katella Ave. Information: (310) 431-3538.