Soquel Gardens Mobile Home Park, a struggling RV park near Soquel Village, faces upheaval after it was purchased by a Stockton firm with a contentious past of evictions, steep rent increases and litigation over tenant displacement throughout California.
Housing & Development
Posted inHousing & Development
County planning department resolves to overcome its ‘culture of no’
After fielding heavy criticism over the past several years, Santa Cruz County’s planning division is considering a major overhaul of its processes.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
County building permit process ‘costly, time-consuming, and exasperating,’ watchdog says
A Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury report criticizes the county’s building permit process as excessively costly, slow and confusing. The report urges sweeping changes including simplified requirements, expanded public assistance and restoration of an independent appeals board.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
How rising costs and red tape squeeze small businesses out of downtown Santa Cruz
A mix of rising rents, construction hurdles and slow city permitting is prompting some small businesses to reconsider opening in downtown Santa Cruz. Business owners say they want to be part of downtown’s future but feel the financial and bureaucratic barriers are stacked too high — especially for those trying to open in aging buildings. While the city is rolling out reforms, including a new permitting system and faster approvals, some worry it’s not happening fast enough to keep the heart of downtown vibrant and local.
Posted inHousing & Development
As downtown Santa Cruz changes, longtime residents fear soaring rents and loss of community
As rapid development reshapes downtown Santa Cruz, longtime residents worry about rising rents, lost convenience, strained affordability and preserving their neighborhood’s deep community ties.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Wait nearly over as luxury La Bahia Hotel & Spa eyes Sept. 1 opening on Santa Cruz beachfront
The long-awaited La Bahia Hotel & Spa on Beach Street in Santa Cruz is on track for a Sept. 1 opening, and reservations are now being taken online for rooms that range from $556 to $736 a night.
Posted inHousing & Development
Can a new tax break for landmark buildings help save Santa Cruz County’s disappearing history?
Preservationists say Santa Cruz County’s adoption of a tax relief program for historic properties could help spur interest in saving buildings such as the Bayview Hotel in Aptos and Redman-Hirahara House in Watsonville. Some critics argue such laws mainly serve as a windfall for wealthy homeowners.
Posted inHousing & Development
County home listings reach six-year high for May as market starts shifting toward buyers
After years of fierce competition, homebuyers in Santa Cruz County now find themselves with more choices and time to decide, as sellers adjust to a calmer market with more properties listed for sale.
Posted inHousing & Development
Groundbreaking set for senior living community off of West Cliff Drive
Ananta Senior Living Community along Pelton Avenue will feature 76 apartments with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts.
Posted inHousing & Development
Why Santa Cruz builds rentals, not condos — and what it means for first-time homebuyers
Santa Cruz is building more housing than ever — but almost none of it is for sale. Sky-high home prices and a state law meant to protect buyers are discouraging developers from building condos, closing off a key path to ownership.