Proposition 5, which would lower the threshold for public approval of affordable housing and infrastructure to 55% in California makes sense, writes Elaine Johnson, executive director of Housing Santa Cruz County. Right now, the threshold is 66.7% and she says it’s too high to get crucial housing built in our state.
Housing & Development
Posted inHousing & Development
Fall housing market off to slow start, but rate cuts prompt some buyers to jump in
The Santa Cruz County housing market saw slightly less activity than usual in the early fall months, but real estate agents expect that to pick up as October continues. The Federal Reserve’s decision to cut short-term rates in September has brought in some prospective buyers.
Posted inFood & Drink
New Leaf in downtown Santa Cruz to close Tuesday ahead of move to larger space
New Leaf Community Markets will close its downtown Santa Cruz location on Tuesday at 7 p.m. A new tenant for the Pacific Avenue spot has not yet been identified, but city officials say they hope that another grocery store will open in the space to serve the growing downtown community. New Leaf plans to open a new larger grocery store on River Street next year.
Posted inHousing & Development
Artists’ proposals sought for enormous downtown Santa Cruz mural
The City of Santa Cruz is taking proposals for a potentially giant new downtown mural on the yet-to-be-constructed development on the corner of Soquel Avenue and Front Street. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 31.
Posted inHousing & Development
With housing complex planned, iconic Silver Spur will host community meeting on its fate
A community meeting is set for Oct. 17 to outline developments for a housing project at the site of the beloved Silver Spur restaurant in Soquel.
Posted inHousing & Development
California pledged $500 million to help tenants preserve affordable housing. They didn’t get a dime.
California allotted half a billion dollars to help community land trusts across the state. But budget cuts and bureaucracy have land trust advocates back where they were in 2020: seeking state aid to preserve affordable housing.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz City Council rejects plan to loosen accessory dwelling rules
The Santa Cruz City Council voted against easing restrictions on accessory dwelling units Tuesday, fearing lax ADU rules could invite investors, increase demand and drive up prices. Some councilmembers argued that the changes were needed to provide more flexibility amid a housing affordability crisis, while others demanded more data on the potential impacts before proceeding.
Posted inHousing & Development
Lot at 41st and Soquel will get 289 units of affordable housing under new project
After sitting dormant for several years, a vacant lot on the corner of 41st Avenue and Soquel Drive has been sold to an affordable-housing developer, which plans to build a new two-tower apartment complex with 289 units. The site had once been eyed for a car dealership.
Posted inHousing & Development
Revamped Mission Street project brings in Workbench, doubles in height and density
The Santa Cruz community got its first look this week at a six-story, 68-unit project proposed along Mission Street. The developer, a subsidiary of Oakland-based Getgo Property Group, has brought on local architecture/development firm Workbench to redesign the project that once proposed half the height and density.
Posted inLatest News
Workbench sues Santa Cruz City Council for restricting Food Bin development
The fight over the Food Bin redevelopment has new life after architect Workbench and the property owner sued the Santa Cruz City Council for what they claim is a violation of state housing law. The five-story, 59-unit project proposal reset the public’s imagination around what can be built in Santa Cruz under recent changes to state housing laws.