Since the building is too old to be renovated into a modern library space, the city has been soliciting ideas for what to put in the space. Two main concepts have emerged: a plaza/park with housing and parking, and a community or commercial space in the repurposed building plus parking.
Development
Posted inHousing & Development
Is end to legal clash over the San Lorenzo Park homeless encampment in sight?
There have been signs of progress in the litigation between the homeless union and Santa Cruz officials in advance of a key hearing Thursday, but sticking points remain.
Posted inEnvironment
California proposal embraces all-electric buildings but stops short of gas ban
Environmental advocates had hoped that California would become the first state to require all-electric housing in new construction. Instead, they got an incremental step toward the use of electric heat.
Posted inLatest News
Caltrans begins cleanup of Highway 1/9 homeless encampment as eviction notices take effect
Seventy-two hours after notices went up, police and clean-up crews began the final stages of clearing out the homeless encampment at Highways 1 and 9 in Santa Cruz. Most occupants left over the weekend, but with shelters full, it’s unclear where many of them went.
Posted inLatest News
Highway 1 and 9 homeless encampment begins clearing out to make way for construction project
It appeared that the hundreds of campers in coming days will need to find open spaces in city and county shelters or managed encampments in which to stay — or find some other place to sleep. Homeless advocates had begun going to the intersection Friday to try to begin finding places for the displaced campers to relocate.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California bullet train isn’t the jobs creator some claim
Banners in the Central Valley proclaim thousands of jobs created by the high-speed rail project. The real numbers are more complicated.
Posted inUncategorized
50-unit apartment complex for low-income renters proposed in Santa Cruz’s Lower Ocean neighborhood
Under developer MidPen’s proposal, existing buildings at 314 Jessie St. would be demolished and replaced with a five-story apartment complex that includes parking underneath it, as well as leasing offices and a community room on the two bottom floors.
Posted inUncategorized
Rail Trail coming to a head: Supporters make big push to keep rail on track heading into Thursday RTC meeting
In a last-ditch effort to get the rail momentum back on track, proponents of having rail and trail down the coast of Santa Cruz County rallied Wednesday in Aptos, forming a human train along the tracks to show public support for the project.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz County greenlights 21-unit townhome project with some units for lower-income buyers
The development at 3212 Mission Drive (near the corner of Mission and Soquel Drive) will set aside two units for sale to moderate-income residents and one to a “very low-income” household. The remaining 18 units will be available for sale at market rate.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Top Santa Cruz officials try to allay Seabright’s fears about homeless as camping ordinance revisions emerge
The big takeaway: Mayor Donna Meyers told frustrated Seabright residents that she would bring forth a proposal to place all commercial zones in the city, including in their neighborhood, off-limits for overnight camping. But a more nuanced discussion about homelessness took place as well.