Address:  Project area
Project Area:  Reseda / Canoga Park
Council District:  CD 3
PAC/CAC:  CAC
Neighborhood Council:  Winnetka, Reseda and Canoga Park
Developer:  Business and property owners
Project Cost:  $1,300,000
CRA/LA Investment:  $1,300,000
Funding Source:  Reseda-Canoga Park tax increment
Jobs:  Construction-related: 8 / Permanent: 26

Description:
As part of the Third Council District’s business attraction and retention program facade and signage assistance is provided to eligible businesses in Canoga Park and Reseda. Tenant improvement funding is also provided on a limited basis.

Redevelopment Goal:
Retain and restore the appearance of project area businesses by providing financial assistance for physical improvements and by promoting a positive image for the community. Create an environment that reflects a high level of commitment to architectural and urban design principles.

FY08 Milestones:
Complete improvements on 21 stores in the Independence Shopping Center and on 20 additional storefronts for new and existing businesses.

Program Description:
The objective of this program is to attract and retain retail and commercial businesses in the West San Fernando Valley by offering a grant of up to $30,000 to qualified applicants for improvements to their buildings.

This business friendly program empowers local business owners/property owners to easily spruce up their buildings making their stores and the community overall more attractive. Business/property owners will submit their drawings of the proposed improvements and the construction budget to the CRA/LA for review. The local neighborhood council and other affected stakeholders in the community will also review the proposed project.

The program will operate on a reimbursement basis, i.e. participants will contract directly for design and construction services and obtain the necessary City permits and approvals prior to invoicing the Agency. The CRA/LA will reimburse participants for costs incurred as construction progresses. It is possible for participants to receive funding in advance for the purpose of covering the cost of City permits.

In order to qualify for the program business owners/property owners must:

• Fully complete the application and meet all requirements called for therein.
• Have a property that is within the Reseda/Canoga Park CRA/LA Project (To see if your property is within the boundaries, click on the map below).
• Provide a rendering and budget of the proposed improvements.
• Agree to submit the proposed improvements to the CRA/LA for design review and analysis of the construction budget.
• Receive approval from the local neighborhood council and other community stakeholders. (The CRA/LA will assist you with your presentation if you wish.)
• Execute the Improvement and Property Maintenance Agreement.

In order to receive payment from CRA/LA, the following documentation must be submitted with an invoice:

• Copy of City permit issued by the Department of Building & Safety
• Licensed contractor must abide by prevailing wage/labor compliance regulation.
• Sign off by the Building & Safety Department upon completion
• Release of liens by the contractor performing the work.
• Other documents requested by the CRA/LA

Contact
For more information about this program, please contact:
      Charlotte Brimmer
      818-708-5844
     cbrimmer@cra.lacity.org