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Downtown business owners press Santa Paula council over years-long PBID delays
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Summary
Several downtown business owners told the Santa Paula City Council on March 18 that the Property and Business Improvement District's façade-improvement program has stalled for years, citing lost paperwork, unmet ARPA commitments and added costs; the council directed the city manager to report back with solutions.
Business owners urged city leaders on Wednesday to fix what they described as a stalled Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) program that promised façade grants but has not delivered timely reimbursements.
Dr. Nancy Grass, who said she owns a building and two businesses on Main Street, told the council she applied for a façade-improvement grant in February 2025 and that "more than a year later, we have yet to receive funding or see the program fully implemented." She said delays make it difficult for small businesses to plan and invest.
Jose Luis Melgar, a longtime Santa Paula resident and former PBID board member, said he and his businesses have contributed roughly $30,000 to the district and that a $50,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant approved in December 2021 has not produced a functioning program. Melgar recounted repeated staff assurances that his application "was progressing, about to be approved," then said he was told in March 2025 the city had lost his paperwork and asked him to resubmit. He also raised cost increases linked to a California wage requirement for painters that added to project expense.
Other downtown merchants echoed frustrations about unclear procedures and slow follow-up. Atul (listed on the record as Atul Rancher) said PBID rules are "too many restrictions" and described loud-music and trash problems at a nearby venue that he said reduce customer traffic. Efren (speaker identified as Efren Corvias) asked how PBID assessments are being spent and demanded transparency.
Councilmembers acknowledged the speakers' frustration. Councilmember Chavez asked for specific follow-up and leadership; the presiding officer directed the city manager to convene stakeholders, review the PBID process and report back to council with recommended fixes and timelines.
What happens next: Council directed staff to investigate the complaints and return to council with a report on accountability, process changes and how to accelerate grant rollout. No ordinance or immediate funding action was taken at the meeting.
