By Kathleen Acuff

Pedestrian safety will improve around Rancho Shopping Center with funding approved March 14 by the Los Altos City Council.

A reallocation of $60,000 to the Springer/Foothill ADA Access project recommended by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will make the changes possible.

Plans are to add a ramp and widen the sidewalk to 4 feet across at the northwest corner of the driveway into Rancho Shopping Center at Springer Road to give access to the pedestrian signal push button.

The city will also add a sidewalk along the western side of Springer Road between the driveway and Berry Avenue.

The Public Works Department plans to find the best way to provide wheelchair access to the Underground with $104,810 in Community Development Block Grant funds from last year.

The bulk of the Community Development Block Grant funds for 2006-2007 will go to the city’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. The council March 14 allocated $80,459 of the available $139,070 to the program, which helps the city achieve its housing elements certification.

The council also allocated $38,611 for five public services. Most of these funds go to the Community Services Agency, which received $24,443. The Support Network for Battered Women and the Catholic Charities Long-term Care Ombudsman program each received $4,500. The YWCA Rape Crisis and Prevention Center received $2,853, and Live Oak Adult Day Services received $2,315.

City administration received $15,000, and county Rehabilitation Services received $5,000.

The block grants are federal funds.