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Enterprise Zone benefits along with land use designations in the Downtown and North Newhall Specific Plans provides
incentives for developers and businesses to invest in the downtown Newhall area.

In 2009, during the height of the Great Recession, the Agency allocated $100,000 for grants up to $5,000 for eligible
small businesses within the Project Area. A total of 20 small businesses received these grants and took classes on
marketing and customer service at the local Small Business Development Center. The grantees used their funds to
increase their marketing, sponsor local events, provide upgrades to their business operations, complete physical
improvements to their place of business and purchase inventory.

Also in 2009, the City obtained $300,000 of Federal Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds to offer grants to eligible
Project Area commercial building owners to upgrade structural and aesthetic conditions in Old Town Newhall. Grants
were limited to $55,000 per building and a total of 5 buildings received funding, representing façade improvements to
over 11 businesses. In addition to this current program, past
façade enhancement programs included five façade
improvements and two screening projects, all of which occurred
on properties along Main Street. The Agency also began a
voluntary chain link fence removal program to encourage
property owners to remove their chain link fencing and install
wood or rod iron fencing as a means to enhance the appearance
of the area. To date, a number of properties have made
significant and voluntary enhancements to their property by removing their chain link.

In an effort to spur private investment in to the area and maintain communication with local real estate professionals,
Agency Staff conducts ongoing networking events for local brokers and property owners to promote the overall
revitalization of Old Town Newhall. Additionally, as a result of the public funds invested, more and more private dollars
began being invested in the area. This includes privately funded façade improvements, property maintenances issues
were addressed, and businesses were enhancing their signage and street presence.

Another focus of the Agency includes bringing visitors, both local and from outside of the area, to Old Town Newhall to
enjoy the amenities and experience the history of this unique area. A new concept was born just a few short months ago
– Thursdays @ Newhall. This event is designed to provide new, interesting and exciting events every Thursday to
downtown. This includes hosting a weekly, seasonal Farmers Market, a unique and eclectic monthly Art Walk and the
signature event, Senses, a rotating theme based block party. These events have driven thousands of visitors to Main
Street on a monthly and ongoing basis which has resulted in new and reoccurring customers in this struggling business
district in the City.

To further spur investment into the area and create a catalytic project using both public and private funds, the Agency
and City assembled a 1.7 acre site at the southeast corner of Main Street and Lyons Avenue, directly adjacent to the Old
Town Newhall library. The long-term goal for this property was the development of an integrated mixed use
development which would have anchored the north end of Old Town Newhall. With the dissolution of redevelopment,
this project is currently on hold.

HOUSING OPTIONS FOR ALL FAMILIES

Redevelopment Agencies also seek to create a variety of housing options for all families. This includes developing
affordable housing, promoting the rehabilitation of existing housing units to persons of low- and moderate-income, and
providing infrastructure enhancements to these areas.