Quick Take
Homeless Garden Project cleared the final major regulatory hurdle to purchasing the 4-acre Natural Bridges Farm it has leased on Santa Cruz's Westside for three decades, paving the way for the nonprofit to establish the first permanent home in its 36-year history.
Homeless Garden Project is one big step closer to owning its Natural Bridges Farm after a green light from Santa Cruz’s zoning administration on Wednesday morning.
The zoning administrator approved the nonprofit’s application for a minor land division to separate the 4 acres that it has leased on Schaffer Road on the Westside since 1995 from a 10.3-acre parcel, and also OK’d design, coastal, administrative use and sign permits. It gave permission to construct five buildings on the site, including a farmstand, barn, greenhouses and fencing.
The decision gives a clear path forward for the organization to purchase the lot from owner Ron Swenson, who has agreed to sell it for an undisclosed amount. It was the final major hurdle to overcome for Homeless Garden Project to establish the first permanent home in its 36-year history.
Swenson, Executive Director Darrie Ganzhorn, board president Doug Engfer and several supporters were present at the public meeting on Wednesday.
Eric Marlatt, the assistant director of zoning and planning, executed the decision and expressed his gratitude to the organization and Swenson for their endurance. “I know this has been a long journey for you all, and it’s not over yet. But the entitlements are a significant step in that direction,” he said. “This is a tremendous benefit to the city, and we appreciate all the work that you all have put into this project.”
“It’s still sinking in,” said Ganzhorn, who has worked at Homeless Garden Project for 35 years. “I’m so grateful to Doug and Richard [Bruce, a board member emeritus] for their leadership in making all these pieces come together, and their doggedness and willingness to learn all the technical aspects that we needed to be successful.”
The organization has enough money to complete the first phase of construction, Engfer told Lookout last week. In April, the California State Coastal Conservancy awarded a $1 million grant to Homeless Garden Project to acquire the Natural Bridges Farm – about two-thirds of the purchase price, said Ganzhorn.
There are several loose threads to tie off and some funding to secure, but this decision was the signal step toward purchasing the land, said Engfer. He’s grateful to the city and community for their continued support of Homeless Garden Project. “They’ve been indefatigable in helping us not only survive but thrive all these years.”
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