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.
Affordable Housing
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Election 2025: Measure C takes slim lead in dueling Santa Cruz affordable housing plans
Measure C, an affordable housing measure backed by housing advocates and Santa Cruz officials, was narrowly winning its race as of early Wednesday, with about 52.5% of the vote. Measure B, a competing measure sponsored by local realtors, was poised for defeat, earning only about 12% of votes.
Posted inHousing & Development
On Ocean Street, Marianne’s Ice Cream comes under the shadow of a major housing development
A five-story mixed-use development is slated to go up behind Marianne’s Ice Cream, a Santa Cruz staple. Marianne’s owners are worried about street parking during construction and the shadow of the building — which will stretch across Ocean Street in front of the parlor in winter — once it’s done.
Posted inHousing & Development
Water Street affordable housing project draws supporters and detractors with familiar concerns
A Wednesday evening meeting focused on a proposed housing development for 525 Water St., at the corner of Market Street in Santa Cruz, brought out a mix of supporters and opponents. Supporters expressed gratitude for the addition of new affordable housing while opponents raised issues with parking and traffic impacts, as well as building aesthetics.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County moves to rein in vacation rentals
Santa Cruz County supervisors voted Tuesday to back a slate of new rules designed to cap vacation rentals and expand hotel capacity in the region. The effort, which still requires additional layers of approval, is a bid to preserve housing for local residents in the country’s least affordable rental market.
Posted inHousing & Development
Local housing, homeless service professionals want to work toward Housing First model. The main obstacle? Not enough housing
The Housing First model combats homelessness by getting people into housing first and providing basic necessities, setting them up for greater success in working on their own issues. Santa Cruz County housing professionals and homeless service providers say that while there is a will and interest to implement the model locally, there are big obstacles including funding and, most notably, housing.
Posted inHousing & Development
State-approved Workbench project will be Scotts Valley’s first affordable housing development in decades. City leaders don’t want it.
For the first time in decades, Scotts Valley is set to host a 100% affordable housing complex. Yet local leaders are at odds with state mandates, decrying the project’s demolition of one of the few commercial spaces in Scotts Valley with the amenities necessary to attract high-tech tenants.
Posted inHousing & Development
Residents raise concerns over 157-unit housing project near Henry Cowell
A major housing development planned between Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz drew more than 60 residents to a community meeting Wednesday, where they raised concerns that ranged from traffic and water usage to school and nature impacts. The project is in the application submittal phase, and there are currently no estimates for timeline or total cost.
Posted inHousing & Development
Owner of downtown Santa Cruz apartment building sues city over rent cap ordinance
Following a rent increase ordinance approved by the Santa Cruz City Council in September, the owner of the downtown St. George Residences has filed a lawsuit against the city arguing that the rental restrictions are unconstitutional and will have a “chilling effect” on affordable housing development.
Posted inHousing & Development
Watsonville OKs development of 14 affordable single-family homes
The Watsonville City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve two new housing projects, on Evan Circle and Airport Road. The projects would develop a total of 18 new homes in Watsonville — 14 of which will be affordable housing.