Nevada City Council members asked for ideas for using California grant money, and boy, did they get them.

Residents brought forward seven projects for possible funding by a Community Development Block Grant during a public hearing at Wednesday's City Council meeting.

After a second public hearing on Jan. 13, city officials will prioritize the ideas and then write specific grants for their top picks.

Proposals included:

• Finishing preliminary design work for Calanan Park improvements.

• Adding redesigned street signs within city limits.

• Increasing promotion among tourists for local trails.

• Adding a second pedestrian bridge on a city trail.

• Promoting Nevada City's performance venues among tourists.

• Renovating three barns behind the Nevada Theatre for use by the entertainment

district.

• Adding bike racks around the city.

The block grant program can fund a variety of community improvement projects including buying property for public purposes, demolishing buildings, building community centers and helping organizations with economic development activities.

Last year, the city won a $300,000 CDB grant to establish a loan program for small businesses, Nevada City Manager Gene Albaugh said. Through that program, businesses can apply for a loan to complete a range of improvement projects.

To contact Staff Writer Michelle Rindels, e-mail mrindels@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4247.