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Bellflower council OKs use of $407,000 in CDBG-CV funds to redesign Pirate Park plaza
Summary
The City Council voted to reallocate $407,000 in remaining CDBG-CV coronavirus-recovery funds to redesign the fountain/plaza area in front of Pirate Park and continue the public hearing to May 27 to finalize a substantial amendment, officials said.
The Bellflower City Council voted unanimously May 12 to reallocate $407,000 in remaining CDBG-CV (Coronavirus) Community Development Block Grant funds toward a redesign of the plaza and fountain area in front of Pirate Park and to continue the public hearing to May 27 to finalize the required substantial amendment.
The council moved the funds after a staff presentation that said the city had $407,000 left from a $1.2 million allocation and that those funds must be spent by November 2026 or returned to HUD. Jim, a city staff presenter, told the council: “we currently have 407,000 in change in CDBG CV funds remaining” and noted the money must meet HUD eligibility and a COVID “tieback” showing the project prevents, prepares for, or responds to the coronavirus.
The redesign chosen by the council targets the fountain/plaza near the city’s Pirate Park and Christmas tree and would convert the space to a smaller plaza with seating and features intended to support socially distanced public use. Councilmember Victor Sanchez made the motion to use the CDBG-CV funds for the fountain/plaza redesign and to continue the public hearing; Councilmember Dan Coops seconded. Council votes were recorded as: Councilmember Victor Sanchez — aye; Mayor Pro Tem Sonny Santanaines — aye; Councilmember Dan Coops — aye; Councilmember Wendy Morse — aye; Mayor Irae Dutton — aye.
Staff presentations before the vote laid out alternatives that had been considered, including a Laurel Street pedestrian plaza, a Palm Street Park fitness activation, and a pocket park on Artesia Boulevard; staff noted many options either were outside the eligible CDBG low-and-moderate-income area or would require significant additional funding. Jim told the council that some options would require pairing the CDBG funds with other sources because planning-level park costs were estimated at roughly $900,000.
Councilmembers and staff discussed practical next steps: staff will return May 27 with a formal resolution and the required substantial-amendment paperwork so the city can submit invoices and meet HUD’s deadline. Staff and a consultant, Anna Luneau of Avant Garde, will work on preliminary designs and cost estimates before the May 27 meeting.
The council’s action begins the process of amending the city’s prior CDBG-CV allocations and directs staff to prepare the documentation HUD requires for coronavirus-era CDBG funds.
