Covina : Downtown Project OKd

In an effort to polish the downtown area’s tarnished image, the City Council has voted to spend $26.4 million for a revitalization project designed to attract more shoppers and new businesses.

“(Downtown) was a focal point for many years and it’s lost some of that glamour,” said Michael Marquez, city director of community services. “We want to reestablish it as a focal point.”

Under the auspices of the Community Redevelopment Agency, the money will be used to improve sidewalks and street lighting, update the water and storm drain systems and provide more parking. It will also be used to provide rehabilitation loans to downtown business people, Marquez said.

Construction in the area--seven blocks along Citrus Avenue from Center Street to Front Street--could begin this fall, Marquez said.