Council approves Cliffwood Heights planning scope to position city for CDBG funding

Capitola’s City Council unanimously approved a planning scope for the Cliffwood Heights neighborhood rehabilitation project, clearing staff to prepare project design and positioning the city to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Staff framed the proposal as a three‑part project: roadway rehabilitation (most streets in the neighborhood are below a pavement condition index of 50), continuous sidewalk to the middle school, and potential drainage/shoulder stabilization; ADA curb‑cut upgrades would be included where required.

Staff reported a preliminary estimate for the Washburn sidewalk of about $250,000 and said early construction and soft‑cost estimates push total preliminary numbers close to $5,000,000. Councilmembers asked why Cliffwood Heights was selected over other neighborhoods; staff said the neighborhood ranks worst by pavement condition metrics and also offers a safe route to the only public middle school. The council voted to approve the planning scope and provide direction for additional design work and grant preparation.