CRA approves up to $391,000 funding agreement for South 20th Avenue streetscape

The CRA board on Sept. 3 unanimously approved a funding agreement with VB Hollywood Holdings LLC for up to $391,000 to complete streetscape and right‑of‑way improvements on South 20th Avenue adjacent to the Celeste Village North development.

Francisco Diaz, senior project manager for the Hollywood CRA, said developers are contractually required to construct streetscape immediately adjacent to their buildings, and VB Hollywood Holdings proposed to complete a small remaining segment between Harrison Street and an alley north of Van Buren to match the downtown streetscape. Diaz presented developer cost estimates and explained that the $391,000 figure is a price‑not‑to‑exceed amount that would only be used if the contractor must trench and replace conduit or wiring for the new lighting; if those electrical contingencies are not needed, the cost would be substantially lower.

Board Member Calari moved to approve the funding agreement and Board Member Biederman seconded; discussion focused on coordinating timing with the Harrison Streetscape project and confirming drainage and utility coordination. The motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: completing the one small unfinished block will improve pedestrian connectivity between the Celeste Village development and the downtown core and allow the streetscape to appear seamless. Staff said much of the work will be done while the developer’s crews are mobilized, saving mobilization costs.

Project elements and contingencies
The developer’s scope includes removing pavers and old light poles, installing picture‑frame concrete sidewalks, new teardrop light fixtures, roadway milling and resurfacing, and utility trenching with new conduit and wiring as needed. The presented estimate included direct construction costs of approximately $248,000 plus a 3% contingency and overhead; Diaz told the board an additional electrical contingency accounts for the $391,000 not‑to‑exceed figure.

Oversight and next steps
Assistant City Manager Raylan Story confirmed utilities work (drainage, sewer/other) is a separate project and staff will provide an update to the board. Staff will coordinate the timing so developer work and the CRA’s Harrison Streetscape work can be done concurrently to reduce disruption to businesses.