Council directs GBAC to draft guidelines for $2 million Gardena Boulevard facade program

The Gardena City Council voted unanimously Sept. 10 to move forward on a Gardena Boulevard revitalization package that would use a $2 million state earmark to fund facade improvements for businesses in a core 1,500-foot stretch between Vermont and Normandy.

Steve Rogers, chair of the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission, presented a conceptual plan developed with Michael Baker International that outlines three grant programs: a paint program offering a small palette of neutral exterior colors; a blade-signage program with predesigned sign options; and a single-layer, low‑maintenance awning option. Rogers said the program would target roughly 60 businesses in the core area and be administered as a grant with no required out‑of‑pocket cost for eligible participants.

Rogers said the commission prioritized durability and low maintenance in choosing materials and sought a neutral color scheme so individual business identities still stand out. “We wanted something that was desirable and not going to cost a lot to maintain,” Rogers said during the council presentation.

Council members pressed staff and GBAC on eligibility, participation and the program’s limits. GBAC and staff said businesses would need current city business licenses, no active code violations, and other basic eligibility checks; the city will draft the specific application and eligibility requirements.

Several council members asked whether participation would be mandatory. Jackie Choi, economic development staff, said the program functions as a grant and not a mandate: businesses can opt out, but GBAC’s design choices aim to preserve a unified streetscape even if some owners decline to participate. “There will be no out‑of‑pocket cost for businesses who apply and meet eligibility,” Choi said.

Council members also sought clarity on longer-term streetscape improvements—string lights across the street, intersection treatments and a gateway sign—that would exceed the $2 million earmark. GBAC and staff confirmed the $2 million is limited to facade-related activities (awning, signage and painting) and that larger pedestrian or cross‑street elements would require additional funding, city matches or future grants.

Mayor Serta made the motion to approve GBAC’s recommendations and to redirect GBAC to draft program guidelines for implementing the facade improvement concept using the earmark; Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote.

Next steps: GBAC will draft program guidelines for council review that will set eligibility, application procedures and design standards. The council and staff said they plan targeted outreach to businesses in the core area before finalizing the grant rollout.