Yorba Linda initiates modest program to spruce up business storefronts using State of the City funds

A modest program to encourage business and shopping center owners and local business associations to improve Yorba Linda's retail shopping experience will be funded by the city.

The program allows business owners and groups “to apply for a small grant to enhance, attract and/or encourage business patronage” in the city, according to a two-page set of guidelines adopted earlier this month on a unanimous vote of City Council members.

Grants are limited to a maximum of $2,000 each on a first-come, first-qualified basis, with one grant allowed per year per recipient. Funding will come from tickets and sponsorships sold for the mayor's annual State of the City address, held in October or November.

Income from the event is split between the city and Chamber of Commerce. The city's 2019 portion totaled $10,600, which would allow five grants to be awarded for the year, according to a report to the council by Pam Stoker, the city's economic development manager.

Examples of eligible improvement projects include enhancement of building facades or store-fronts, such as awnings, signage, lighting, window, doors and planters, and correction of code violations to business exteriors.

Other examples are improvements to retail center common areas, such as monument signs, lighting, paint and landscape, and implementation of a business-oriented event, which would encourage patronage and increase sales tax generation.

Not eligible are expenditures related to general repairs and maintenance; architectural, engineering, design and permit fees; interior improvements; historical restorations; and projects completed prior to application approval.

Grant funds will be released to recipients “as a reimbursement after the completion of the project or event,” Stoker reported. “The city will require evidence of payment and proof of completion prior to release of the grant funds.”

Stoker added: “It is envisioned that additional funds will be added to the program annually following the State of the City event.” Annual reports will be provided for all grant awards.

Complete information is available from the Economic Development Department at City Hall.

Update to my Aug. 1 column on the Trueblood House restoration: The council has approved a five-year lease with the Chamber of Commerce to occupy the 1,167-square-foot Craftsman-style home at 4801 Park Ave., at Lemon Drive, southeast of the post office facility.

The chamber will pay the city $2,083 each month, plus a $50 monthly operating expense fee, both with a yearly consumer price index adjustment not to exceed 2%. The chamber will pay for all janitorial expenses, furnishings, equipment, utilities and supplies.

The $1 million restoration of the home built in 1918 on a 7,362-square-foot lot is expected to be completed in the fall, with the chamber scheduled to take occupancy Sept. 1. The city is sharing the cost with the developer of a nearby project.