BUENA PARK : $720,000 in Grants Allocated by City

More than $720,000 in federal housing money was distributed by the City Council this week as part of the annual Community Development Block Grant program.

Among the big winners Monday was the city’s residential rehabilitation program, which topped the list with a $195,000 allocation. The program provides low-interest loans and rebates to residents wanting to spruce up their property.

Second in line with $172,000 was a city program to improve the alleys that run behind Beach Boulevard businesses.

The city received 19 requests for funding this year, totaling more than $1 million. In keeping with a recent policy aimed at using the money within Buena Park, the city sent applications to a select group of public and private businesses that mainly serve the city.

Facing a major budget shortfall this year, the council also gave priority to street repairs and other infrastructure improvements, which may subject to later cuts as a result of budget problems.

Despite the restrictions, 10 local social service agencies were awarded a grants totaling just over $120,000.

The city-sponsored gang prevention program received the biggest grant among the social service groups, with $31,000.