The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission decided that it will drop public hearings for fully affordable housing projects, requiring only ministerial approval. The item will head to the Santa Cruz City Council for a first read in January.
Housing & Development
Posted inHousing & Development
California Supreme Court decision maintains public access to Aptos beachfront walkway, county says
The California Supreme Court has declined to review a challenge by a Rio Del Mar homeowners association, effectively upholding lower-court rulings that an 800-foot walkway along Seacliff State Beach in Aptos is public property. Santa Cruz County officials say the decision leaves no further avenue for appeal and moves the case closer to resolution, including the removal of fences that currently block public access.
Posted inHousing & Development
Current, former residents file lawsuit against UC-owned Hilltop apartments
Nineteen current and former residents have filed a lawsuit against Hilltop apartments and property manager Greystar, alleging negligence, substandard repairs and habitability violations after sewage flooding, mold and unresolved maintenance issues in the University of California-owned complex.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz planning commission to consider dropping public hearings for fully affordable housing projects
The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission will consider getting rid of public hearings for 100% affordable housing projects at its meeting on Thursday evening.
Posted inHousing & Development
Supervisors order review of 57-unit Capitola Road project
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will review the application for a 57-unit housing project led by local developer Workbench that used a state provision that allowed the project to override local jurisdiction.
Posted inHousing & Development
Deep-pocketed investors account for a third of home purchases in Santa Cruz County
Since 2021, investors have spent nearly $1.45 billion on purchases of single-family homes in Santa Cruz County, accounting for around 44% of total sales value.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville receives $39 million grant for transit center redevelopment project
The City of Watsonville, in partnership with Santa Cruz Metro and MidPen Housing, was awarded a $39 million grant for the Watsonville Metro Project through the state’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program.
Posted inHousing & Development
Are we there yet? As 2026 dawns, downtown Santa Cruz is still in the middle of a long process to transformation
As 2025 morphs into 2026, Santa Cruz’s downtown is still deep in the middle of a major transformation. A new proposal for The Catalyst building has many up in arms, while fans of the new library quietly wait for 2028. Here’s an overview of where all the projects stand.
Posted inHousing & Development
County housing market sales, inventory trend down as slow season begins
The Santa Cruz County housing market saw its sales drop and the number of houses on the market fall below 400 for the first time since March as the slow time of the year takes hold. Inventory remains higher than the same time last year, and houses are also taking longer to sell than they did a year ago.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
No, Measure C isn’t a ‘Keeley project’ — and the City of Santa Cruz is keeping its housing promises
Former Santa Cruz mayor Don Lane pushes back on Keven Cook’s recent commentary, arguing that Cook misrepresents the origins and intent of Measure C and ignores the coalition that created it. He points to Santa Cruz’s affordable housing record and rejects claims that the city misuses housing funds.