The city’s ‘outdoor living’ ordinance would issue sweeping restrictions on where and when camping is allowed. But — after hearing and reading hundreds of comments — city council members changed parts of the proposed law during a meeting that stretched into the early-morning hours Wednesday.
Housing
Posted inHousing & Development
Watsonville council approves two new apartment complexes, each with 50 or more units
The projects at 558 Main St. and 1482 Freedom Blvd. are in different neighborhoods and appeal to a variety of income levels. They’re also sparking discussions about Watsonville’s larger housing policies overall.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County planning board OKs proposed 21-unit townhome project with some low-income housing
The commission unanimously backed the proposed development, which would bring 21 three-bed room units across 11 buildings to a 0.88-acre parcel at 3212 Mission Drive. It now heads to the board of supervisors.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Rent relief: Nearly $17 million in aid to soon be available to Santa Cruz County tenants
A state program scheduled to launch next month will set aside close to $17 million for eligible Santa Cruz County residents struggling to pay their rents and utility bills due to the pandemic. Separately, Santa Cruz County small businesses, too, can soon look forward to more financial relief.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Everything to know about Santa Cruz’s proposed ‘outdoor living’ ordinance on homelessness
The “outdoor living” ordinance, meant to limit public camping, will move to its second — and potentially final — phase of consideration by the Santa Cruz City Council on Tuesday, March 9. In advance, Lookout dives in to the details.
Posted inHousing & Development
Watsonville City Council to consider plans for two new apartment complexes Tuesday
Not-for-profit developer Eden Housing is proposing a 53-unit residential development project for 1482 Freedom Blvd. A 50-unit development is proposed for 558 Main St. downtown.
Posted inHousing & Development
Santa Cruz proposes law to end camping in parks, beaches and downtown areas inhabited by homeless people
The proposed ordinance the Santa Cruz City Council will consider on Tuesday would ban camping and outdoor living in a large part of the city. If passed, it isn’t “going to solve the homelessness crisis that we have, but it will be one tool that we can use,” one city official says.
Posted inHousing & Development
‘Moral imperative’: Santa Cruz County sets goal of getting all homeless families sheltered by end of year
County leaders want to prioritize services for homeless families with children, saying the idea of finding housing or shelter for all 120 such families is attainable.
Posted inCoast Life
The ADU equation: Are relaxed ‘granny unit’ rules helping solve Santa Cruz County’s housing crisis?
California has made it far easier to build accessory dwelling units and people are making use of those relaxed laws. However, costs have gone way up so it’s not a cheap endeavor in Santa Cruz County.
Posted inHousing & Development
Home prices in county rise significantly amid pandemic, with Santa Cruz median price topping $1 million
The county recorded 255 sales of single-family homes and condos in December 2020. The median price came in at $797,000 — up from $725,000 from the year before. That’s a nearly 10% increase. Read how your community fared in this story.
