Commission approves ARPA and CRA grants to downtown projects, sets historic safeguards

Crescent City commissioners approved staff-recommended ARPA and CRA grants on Aug. 4 to support adaptive reuse of vacant Central Avenue properties and small business openings.

Commissioner Summer DeVito moved to fund ARPA projects that included roof and exterior repairs at 512 Central Avenue, 338 Central Avenue and other targeted downtown sites, provided “that for the historic structures, we have verification that the modifications will maintain the historic character” and that all work have required permits and insurance. The motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote. Mayor Michelle Myers said the awards reflect the commission’s goal “to get businesses up and running here in town.”

Staff presented project details and low-bid numbers for each site: a low bid of $37,500 for the roof at 512 Central (maximum grant award $20,000 proposed from ARPA), window restoration quotes for a privately owned home (owner to cover the difference), a $12,000 painting/repair request for a storefront, and a recommended $20,000 CRA grant for flooring at 111 North Summit Street (owner prepared to pay overages). Local applicants described schedules and funding matches during the meeting.

Separately, the commission amended the CRA budget to move $20,000 from repair-and-maintenance into the commercial redevelopment grants category. That reallocation cleared the way to authorize a $20,000 award to TJ Gonzales for retail-and-gym flooring at 111 North Summit, contingent on meeting grant guidelines and permitting requirements. Commissioners instructed staff to monitor ARPA timing constraints and to ensure work is complete in time to allow spending before ARPA deadlines.