Council Approves Additional Funds for Community Center

PACOIMA — Workers began renovating and expanding the Pacoima Community Center in April, but City Council approved Wednesday the allocation of $341,710 in federal block grants that officials say will allow the project to be completed by December.

In November 1995, the council decided to spend $23,100 in city money to get the facility--especially the restrooms--up to the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The work made possible by the block grants will mean an expansion of 800 square feet, bringing the building to 9,000 square feet.

A 1,700-square-foot covered patio is also planned.

The expansion will require no additional city staff, officials said.

In a report earlier this month, Keith Comrie, city administrative officer, said use of the new space has not been determined.

“However, there are ongoing discussions with the center to have a nonprofit agency perform services related to violence prevention, particularly domestic violence,” he wrote.

Officials with the Community Development Department also noted that the various social service groups that are tenants of the center pay rent of about $1 per square foot.

The Department of Water and Power is handling construction work at the site.