Committee forwards $9M in state and federal grants to fund Japantown Peace Plaza renovation

The Committee authorized forwarding two Recreation and Park Department grant acceptances to the full Board: a $6 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency and a $3 million Economic Development Initiative grant from HUD to support the Japantown Peace Plaza Renovation Project. Rec and Park staff said the funds supplement a previous $25 million bond approved by voters in 2020 and will cover paving, planting, informal seating and a permanent stage, with outreach to protect the Cherry Blossom and Nio Machi festivals.

Emily Murata, executive director of the Japantown Task Force, urged committee support and highlighted the plaza's importance to the community. Rec and Park said it plans to go to bid in summer 2023 with construction targeted for spring 2024 and a reopening celebration in fall 2025. The committee forwarded both items with a positive recommendation.

Next steps:Rec and Park will proceed with procurement and community outreach; construction timeline contingent on bid and permitting schedule.