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.
Food Bin redevelopment
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz City Council shrinks Food Bin redevelopment before unanimous approval
On paper, developer Workbench received almost everything it applied for with unanimous support in Tuesday’s Santa Cruz City Council vote on the proposed redevelopment of The Food Bin site on Mission Street — the height, (most of) the units, limited parking. However, finer details tell a different story.
Posted inHousing & Development
With few options under California’s new housing reality, Santa Cruz neighbors, city council gird for vote on Food Bin project
Neighbors disagree with the project, and city councilmembers have criticized developer Workbench’s approach to the five-story, 59-unit redevelopment of the Food Bin. But neither is likely to stand in the way of the project in California’s new era of state-mandated housing development.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Watch out for Workbench revisions in Food Bin project
In a letter to the editor, a Santa Cruz resident relays a previous experience with developer Workbench he says should put neighbors of the Westside Food Bin project on notice.
Posted inHousing & Development
‘Get real’: City council, neighbors blast Food Bin developer, postpone vote on project
Tensions continue to flare over a proposed redevelopment of the Food Bin property on Mission Street, a project widely viewed as a sign of a rapidly changing Santa Cruz. On Tuesday, the city council postponed its decision on the project until May 28.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Food Bin development in Santa Cruz is a big mistake: It highlights the flawed city process
Joel Domhoff is frustrated over the Food Bin development on Laurel and Mission streets in Santa Cruz. He thinks the city’s process is not fair to residents and makes it too difficult to know what programs have been approved.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Local company in running for prince’s climate award, Food Bin update and ‘Shark Tank’-style student event
In her weekly column, Jessica M. Pasko covers a big moment for environment-focused local business Climatize, where the project on the current Food Bin site stands and other news, notes and numbers from the Santa Cruz County business community.
Posted inHousing & Development
Food Bin and Herb Room project to prioritize tenants without cars, widen sidewalks
Representatives from builder Workbench and owners of the Food Bin and Herb Room hosted a community meeting Tuesday to discuss the Santa Cruz redevelopment project. Attendees raised concerns about neighborhood impacts, pedestrian safety and building size, and meeting hosts explained that it’s a balancing act between maintaining the current environment and attempting to reach state and local housing goals.
Posted inUncategorized
Santa Cruz to hold public meeting on mixed-use project for site of Mission Street’s Food Bin & Herb Room
The 42,849-square-foot development would take over the parcel where local grocery stores The Food Bin and Herb Room currently sit. It is still in the pre-application phase, and the City of Santa Cruz is hosting a community meeting April 18 for residents to learn more about the development, ask questions and raise concerns.