Council Approves Community Grant

With a unanimous vote, the Redondo Beach City Council approved a $466,894 community development block grant on Tuesday evening.

The grant is divided into four parts: the Home Improvement Program, the Commercial Rehabilitation Program, the Public Service Programs and administration/planning.

The public services program, which accounts for $55,467, supports 14 charitable organizations in the area, including the YMCA, 1736 House, Project Touch, South Bay Children's Health Center and the South Bay Literacy Council.

At the council meeting, representatives from many of the organizations spoke about how the money has helped their charitable efforts.

"I had no idea we were going to have this turnout," Councilman Bill Brand said at the conclusion of the representatives' remarks. "It's impressive."

He called the organizations' work "heartwarming."

Despite the council's approval, all organizations that received money from the city in 2010 received 16.7 percent less funding from the 2011 block grant, according to the city's plan.

"We've had to cut down some of these programs," said Councilman Pat Aust.

The Home Improvement Plan assists low-income and disabled Redondo Beach homeowners with home repair services. The 2011 block grant provides $287,448 for this program.

The Commercial Rehabilitation program will provide $50,000 for improvements and repairs to businesses along the Artesia/Aviation commercial corridor.

The administration and planning portion of the grant will cost $73,979.