CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) -- The Chula Vista City Council Tuesday approved a number of items to help people struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city’s eviction moratorium was extended until at least July 31, giving renters relief if they cannot make their monthly rent payments.
The council also approved a $1.5 million small business grant program to reimburse businesses for losses caused by the closures during the pandemic. The money comes from the federal government. Businesses can apply for the grant on the city’s website and must meet certain criteria. Some of the requirements include having less than 10 employees, being independently owned and not being an essential business.
For businesses along Third Avenue, the relief is welcome. Chula Vista Brewery has moved their business outdoors and continued curbside pick-up to stay afloat during the pandemic.
In a move to expand outdoor dining, Chula Vista’s council approved a permitting process to allow businesses on Third Avenue to expand into the public right of way, with social distancing and ADA compliance. This will allow for things like sidewalk and curb cafes.
The city also authorized the closure of a portion of Third Avenue to traffic. The closure would only be on weekends during certain hours from now until January to allow for dining outdoors, but so far, there isn’t any plan in place to make that official.
In addition to relief for businesses and renters, the city voted to accept nearly $500,000 in emergency aid for the homeless.
To find out if you qualify for the city's small business grant click here.
