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We’ve heard two extremes from a former and current Santa Cruz city councilmember about downtown buildings and housing. Lots of finger-pointing. Our beach town charm has indeed been sold out for ugly high rises that are supposed to solve the housing crisis.
There is no guarantee, other than the character of Santa Cruz will be changed, and likely for the worse. You can find tall buildings anywhere. Why would people want to live in a tiny apartment for a ridiculous price among windy shaded streets? Or visit Santa Cruz to see the same thing they’ve been trying to escape? It could well turn into a ghost town of empty buildings, which has happened in other places.
Why hasn’t a deal been tried with the state or county to build on vacant property outside the town center? Just a thought. I don’t think the current juggernaut was given much thought.
Kevin Samson
Santa Cruz