REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE

In 1987 the Board of SupervISorS established the Santa Cruz County Redevelopment Agency specifically to address the unrestrained growth that had occurred without corresponding public improvements in Live Oak and Soquel. Since then the Agency has participated in a broad range of projects and programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and improving the vitality of local business areas. Our goal is to keep the community informed and involved in planning for this work.

With that goal in mind, in late 2004 residents of Live Oak and Soquel were invited to participate in a series of five community meetings to discuss community priorities and future Agency work. Residents voiced wide support for the Agency’s recent projects and offered valuable observations and ideas for projects to be considered in our future plans. While people naturally expressed varying opinions, interest converged on a few themes: the Agency’s continued work to develop additional community facilities; parks to serve the community’s recreational needs; the improvement of storm water drainage and water quality;

pedestrian and traffic safety improvements; the enhancement of heavily-used scenic coastal areas; and, finally, support for affordable housing opportunities.

Since the meetings, the Agency Board of Directors has approved significant new funding for public improvements in Live Oak and Soquel and for affordable housing projects and programs throughout the unincorporated areas of the County. With this new funding, the Agency is able to continue to pursue a wide variety of projects in the community–from water quality improvements to parks and from sidewalks to traffic improvements. A number of these projects will be under construction this summer, while we are completing design work and permit approvals for others, and preparing to meet with the community to discuss projects in the planning stage.

I invite you to learn more about this work and to discover how the Agency solicits community input and tries to address the community’s interests and concerns in each of our projects. Updates on all projects, as well as notices of future community meetings, are also featured on our website.

Agency Administrator

Summer 2006 Volume 15 Number 1

SANTA CRUz COUNTy REDEVELOPMENT AgENCy

boArD oF DIreCTorS

Supervisors:Jan beautzTony Camposellen Piriemark W. Stonemardi Wormhoudt

eXeCuTIVe DIreCTor

Susan mauriello

AGeNCY ADmINISTrATor

betsey lynberg

s Live Oak Library Opening. From left to right: Anne Turner, Director of Libraries, Jan Beautz, Supervisor, and Betsey Lynberg, Agency Administrator.

t Moran Lake.

s Live Oak Library.

COMMUNITy FACILITIES

Community facilities provide an opportunity to connect residents to resources, services, recreation, and each other. the Live oak Library is the most recent community facility the agency has funded.

LIVE OAK LIBRARy PROJECT

The need for a new library for the Live Oak area was first addressed at this unique waterfront property by modifying the building, a former restaurant and nightclub, to accommodate an interim library in 1998. The new, expanded library celebrated its opening on January 14, 2006. Stained glass windows from the original restaurant were preserved and now hang above the reference desks.

Sitting on the shore of Corcoran Lagoon, the design reflects the importance of this location, as does the public art component, illuminated silhouettes of shorebirds. Designed to feel more like a large home than a commercial-style building, the exterior is modeled into smaller sections, shaped to a

ANIMAL SERVICES FACILITy

The Animal Services Authority is responsible for animal control and adoption countywide and is currently operating out of an interim leased space in Scotts Valley. In 2004 the County purchased the vacant SPCA facilities on the property at the corner of 7th Avenue and Rodriguez Street in Live Oak with the intent of eventually moving Animal Services to this site.

The County has been actively working to develop the most cost effective and viable approach for redevelopment and use of this site with the goal of accommodating Animal Services and resolving noise, parking and deferred maintenance issues on the property.

Conceptual site plans were shared with the community at a meeting in May 2006. The concept for the property includes replacement of most of the existing buildings in a similar location, with improved access, new parking, and landscaping. Plans needed for Planning Department permits are now being prepared. Construction of this Agency-financed project is scheduled to begin in 2007.

residential scale with small, comfortable rooms, each with its own view onto the surrounding open space.

At approximately 13,500 sq ft, the interior space can be adapted to the library’s changing book mix, media formats, and information technology systems. Reading and study rooms provide sunny locations for casual readers, as well as large tables for group study. There are separate areas for periodicals, adult, teen, and youth-oriented collections while the upper floor is dedicated to staff work areas.

With the large trees on the eastern edge of the property preserved to help maintain the character of the neighborhood, the lagoon edge habitat was restored with native species. A grassy area filters storm runoff from the parking areas, and the terraced outdoor seating allows patrons to enjoy the view of the lagoon and shore.

This building was included in PG&E’s Savings by Design awards program for its “green” building features, including efficient lighting and heating systems. Other “green” features include low water use landscaping, durable low maintenance materials, and efficient plumbing. Ownership of the building will be deeded to the County, and the library will be operated by the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

LIBRARy INFO

lIbrArY hourS: monday thru Thursday 10 am - 8 pm Friday and Saturday Noon - 5 pmArChITeCT: ripley Scoggin llPArTIST: Kipp Kobayashi and Noel Korten, mythographlANDSCAPe ArChITeCT: Joni Janecki & AssociatesCIVIl eNGINeer: bowman & WilliamsCoNTrACTor: Green Valley Corporation aka barry Swenson builders

s Children’s reading room, Live Oak Library.

s Future site of the Animal Services Facility on 7th Avenue.

fInaL draft park MaSter pLan, “the farM”

PARKS & RECREATION

as private yards become smaller, parks become more important to provide open spaces for us all. the agency is dedicated to planning for a “well-rounded” system of neighborhood and community parks to serve the recreational needs of all residents.

THE FARM PARK AND COMMUNITy CENTER

Formerly a popular restaurant and bakery, The Farm, located at Soquel Drive and Cunnison Lane, has been vacant for many years, but will soon be developed into a neighborhood park and community center.

Community meetings were recently held to develop a Master Plan. Comments were varied and included protection of wildlife and interest in walking paths, a community garden, a skateboard feature, a playground, and a dog park. The resulting plan incorporates all of these elements and also a community building for local gatherings, art classes, and other activities.

The Parks & Recreation Commission will consider the Master Plan at its meetings in August and September. These hearings and copies of the drawings will be posted on the Community Meetings page of our website. Construction is planned for 2008.

MORAN LAKE PARK AND HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS

Moran Lake, situated near East Cliff Drive between 26th Avenue and Moran Way, is managed by the Parks Department. Eucalyptus trees around the lake provide over-wintering habitat for Monarch butterflies. Over the years, growth of the surrounding urbanized area has seriously impacted the habitat and water quality.

Plans to preserve and enhance both the lake habitat and butterfly habitat will guide the County Parks Department efforts for the design of Agency-funded park improvements.

FELT STREET PARK

Located on Felt Street between 17th and Paget Avenues, this park will include a fenced tot-lot, a play area for older children, a climbing wall, and a small skate element for beginning / young skaters. For quieter times, there will be a community garden, an open lawn, and picnic and barbeque areas. A first for County Parks, there will be two bocce ball courts with shaded seating areas. A small botanical garden will have native, exotic, and drought tolerant plants. The Parks Department plans to begin construction of this Agency-funded project in the fall of 2006.

Parks continued on next page

s Moran Lake Pathway.

STREET TREES parkS & reCreatIon ContInued

SIMPKINS FAMILy SwIM CENTER UPgRADES

Completed in 1998, this very popular Agency-built swim center continues to provide entertainment for families, opportunities for swim teams, and exercise classes for all ages in the warm water pool.

After eight years of heavy use, upgrades are needed. Slip-resistant flooring for the lobby and corridors, revamped shower facilities, and improvements to the parking lot for the disabled will be funded by the Agency.

ANNA JEAN CUMMINgS PARK IMPROVEMENTS

Set on 96 acres, much left as open space, this beautiful site features four sports fields, various picnic areas, and two children’s playgrounds. Since opening in 2001, the park’s popularity and use have grown. Additional parking will be constructed beginning in the Fall of 2006.

Street treeS are planted as part of many road projects and play a vital role in a community by softening the look of a roadway and bringing a sense of quality and place.

Character, size, shape, and texture are considered when selecting trees. Chinese Pistache is a fine street tree with magnificent fall color, and the long-blooming Crape Myrtle has lovely pink or white spring flowers. Golden Shower trees bloom bright yellow, and Queen Palms give strong dramatic effect in the Pleasure Point commercial area. Evergreen trees include Coast Live Oak, Redwood, and Arbutus varieties.

Trees have a positive impact on the success of commercial areas and increase property values. They anchor soil and limit storm water drainage, buffering creeks and ponds from urban runoff and pollution. Trees provide shade, and keep neighborhoods cooler. They provide habitat and food for wildlife. These green corridors cut noise pollution by absorbing sound waves. Their leaves pull dust and smoke from the air and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

RDA has planted more than 1600 trees in Live Oak and Soquel. Trees on major streets are maintained with funds derived from County Service Area 9E. Following neighborhood road projects, the Agency works with residents to plant trees under the “volunteer tree planting program,” which are then maintained by the residents.

s Tipu Tree, Commercial Crossing.

s Crape Myrtle, 17th Ave.

s Chinese Pistache, 7th Ave.

s Queen Palm and Medallion Tree, 41st Avenue.

Crape Myrtle trees, 17th Avenue.

s

s Warm water pool, Simpkins Family Swim Center.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

COMPLETED PROJECTS

7th Avenue–north of Eaton to Capitola RoadA major arterial link to the harbor and beaches, 7th Avenue is also a primarily residential street. Improvements focused on new sidewalks, street trees, bike lanes, and better drainage without widening the street.

Kinsley Street–17th Avenue to Lisa Lane and Chanticleer Avenue from Kinsley to BrommerFlooding, speeding, and lack of sidewalks made a dangerous combination. New sidewalks and stop signs protect pedestrians. New storm sewers were installed and utility poles relocated. Curb, gutter, and street overlay were added with speed bumps to slow down traffic.

Portola Drive–24th to 26th AvenuesProviding pedestrian improvements in the area of the new Live Oak Library, this project included a “nature pave” path, giving a more relaxed feel than concrete. New landscaping on the north side, storm water improvements, and bicycle lane striping completed this project.

other completed projects with road, sidewalk, and/or drainage improvements include:

38th Avenue and Garden StreetGross Road–Coffee Lane to City of CapitolaSoquel Village Sidewalk Improvements–Portions of West Walnut Street; Soquel Drive; Robertson Street; Upper Porter StreetSoquel Avenue Sidewalk Infill–7th Avenue to Highway 1

UPCOMINg CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Capitola Avenue–Soquel Drive to Hwy 1This is an important link between schools and neighborhoods on both sides of Highway 1. A community meeting in September 2005 resulted in plans for a sidewalk on the east side, a curb and gutter on the west, and bicycle lanes on both.

Construction, starting in Summer 2006, will also include a storm sewer system and new asphalt surfacing.

other construction projects, with road, sidewalk and/or drainage improvements, starting in Summer 2006 include:14th Ave (Upper)–East Cliff Drive to Merrill Street16th Avenue–Capitola Road to Webster StreetChanticleer Avenue–Harper to Brommer Streets

More than just asphalt, road projects relate to the people and community they serve. We seek to enhance day-to-day living for the entire community by making roads safer for school children, pedestrians and bicyclists, easing traffic congestion, solving drainage problems, and protecting existing mature vegetation.

s “Nature Pave” pathway, Portola Drive.

PROJECTS IN DESIgN

upper 41st Avenue–Soquel Drive to Hwy 1Permits for the expansion and remodel of the Safeway shopping center require the developers to finance traffic and frontage improvements on the east side. The Agency is preparing plans for frontage improvements to the west side for construction in 2007. The City of Capitola, County of Santa Cruz, and the Agency are engaged with evaluating and planning for improvements to relieve congestion in this area.

other projects in design phase include:Sidewalk Infill–Soquel Drive/Paul Sweet Road7th Avenue–Capitola Road to Soquel Avenue30th Avenue–Portola Drive to Brommer Street

s Kinsley Street.

s Median landscaping, 7th Avenue.

t Sidewalk and gutter construction with accessible ramp.

Beaches and lagoons present challenges, as environmental concerns must be balanced against people’s enthusiasm to enjoy one of the most scenic areas in our county. Coastal efforts are focused primarily on pedestrian and bicycle improvements.

CURRENT PROJECTS

east Cliff bluff Stabilization and Parkway Project–East Cliff Drive from 32nd to 41st Avenue

Continued failures of the cliffs along East Cliff Drive threaten vehicle access, underground utility lines, and could severely limit pedestrian and bicycle access. While exploring options for protecting and enhancing public use of this section of East Cliff Drive, staff has focused efforts on providing a generous public walkway and bike path along the road and stabilizing the underlying cliffs.

COASTAL PROJECTS

COMPLETED PROJECTS

east Cliff Drive emergency Crib Wall repair –32nd to 36th Avenues

In March of 2004, the County Department of Public Works was notified by structural engineers working for the Redevelopment Agency that three existing concrete crib walls had deteriorated to the point of being a public safety hazard, and collapse should be considered imminent.

An Emergency Permit issued by the Planning Department allowed work to proceed immediately. The project consisted of drilling soil nails through the existing crib walls and installing a new structure over the face of the existing walls. This method of repair provides stability while creating the least disturbance to the area. The walls were sprayed with colored shotcrete, then sculpted and stained to blend in with the surrounding natural terrace deposits. The wall structures extend from the

The wall portion of the project (32nd to 36th Avenues) includes completing the construction of a colored, sculpted, concrete “soil-nail” wall, two new beach access stairways, and the removal of concrete rubble from the beach. The upper bluff improvements include pedestrian and bicycle paths, landscaping, safety railings, and improvements to the small neighborhood park at 32nd Avenue. A revised Draft EIS/EIR has been released for public comment. Pending permit approvals, construction could begin in mid 2007.

east Cliff Drive Pedestrian Pathway–East Cliff Drive to 9th to 12th Avenue

Preliminary design for pedestrian improvements on East Cliff Drive from 9th Avenue around Schwan Lake to join existing sidewalks at 12th Avenue is underway. Construction will follow the permit process and is planned for 2008.

FUTURE PLANNINg EFFORTS

Twin lakes beachfront Project–East Cliff Drive from the Harbor to Schwan LakeThis project will focus on pedestrian, bicycle, and parking improvements along East Cliff Drive from the end of 5th Avenue (at the Harbor entrance) to Schwan Lake at 9th Avenue and is the third phase of work planned for the Twin Lakes Beach Area.

This last phase will link completed pedestrian and bicycle improvements on Lake and 5th Avenues with those now under design on East Cliff between 9th and 12th Avenues.

Coastal Projects continued on back

purisima sandstone shelf up to the top of the bluffs with no excavation of the beach area below.

s Emergency crib wall repair, East Cliff Drive.

s Completed cliff stabilization, East Cliff Drive.

s East Cliff Drive near harbor.

AFFORDABLE HOUSINg

redevelopment agency funding is the principal source of revenue for affordable housing in the unincorporated County. the housing division of the planning department develops policy to guide these efforts and manages agency-funded housing programs. housing staff work with non-profit housing developers on affordable housing projects.

Affordability Gap is the difference between the cost of a median-priced home in Santa Cruz and what a median-income family earning $75,300 per year can afford.

median priced home: $752,110

Affordable home/median income: $276,000

Affordability gap: $476,110

As illustrated on the graph to the right, this gap has been growing wider each year and has now reached more than $476,000.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

SOURCES: Santa Cruz Association of Realtors (median sales prices); Santa Cruz County Planning Department (affordable sales prices)

AFFORDABILITy gAP

HOUSINg PROgRAMS

SeaCLIff hIghLandS

The Seacliff Highlands Affordable Housing Project includes 39 apartments for very-low to moderate income households. Plans include attractive two- story, Craftsman-style apartment buildings, community center, tot-lot, picnic area, and landscaped open area. Construction will be completed by July, 2006.

vILLa deL paraISo

Formerly an RV park, this site in Freedom consists of 50 modular manufactured apartments, a manager’s unit, a community room, laundry facilities, and children’s play area. The units are owned and managed by Mid–Peninsula Housing Coalition and rented to lower-income households. Some units are committed for farmworker households.

CorraLItoS Creek apartMentS

Situated along Corralitos Creek are 64 apartment units for low and very-low income families. The project includes a community center, laundry facilities, a group picnic area, two tot-lots, a multi-purpose play court, and lawns.

n first time home Buyer–Mobile homes

n Mobile home rehabilitation

n Second unit Loan program

n Security deposit/rent guarantee

n Measure J–Below Market rate housing program

Affordable Housing continued on back

s Corralitos Creek Apartments, Freedom.

s Seacliff Highlands, Aptos.

t Villa del Paraiso, Freedom.

2006 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

Capitola Avenue

16th Avenue–North of Capitola Road

14th Avenue–East Cliff to north end

Chanticleer Avenue– Brommer to Harper Streets

Please continue to check the “Community meetings” page of our website for future meeting dates.

SANTA CRUz COUNTy REDEVELOPMENT AgENCyGovernment Center701 Ocean Street, Room 510Santa Cruz, California 95060phone (831) 454-2280email rda@co.santa-cruz.ca.uswebsite http://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/red/

POSTAL CUSTOMER

CoaStaL proJeCtS ContInued

MONTEREy BAy NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARy SCENIC TRAIL

East Cliff Drive has been designated as a route for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Scenic Trail. The trail is established as a recreational and interpretive pathway linking new and existing routes around the Bay with directional signage and interpretive displays. Two interpretive displays have already been installed at Moran Lake Park and at the end of 41st Avenue and East Cliff Drive across from the Hook parking lot. As additional pedestrian improvements along East Cliff Drive are developed, the Redevelopment Agency will continue to provide signage and displays which contribute to this valuable asset to the community of Live Oak.

houSIng ContInued

CURRENT PROJECTS

WheeLoCk

Wheelock House, a former Board and Care facility, consists of two homes on an acre of land on Wheelock Road. Purchased by the Health Services Agency with a loan from the Redevelopment Agency, it will be used as a residential treatment program for very low-income people who are dually diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

pLeaSant aCreS

In 2004 the Redevelopment Agency purchased this 64-unit, mobile home park on 17th Avenue at Capitola Road. South County Housing has developed a resident-supported plan for long-term affordability. Ownership of the park will transfer to South County Housing in the near future, followed by infrastructure improvements.

FUTURE PROJECTSparkhurSt terraCe apartMentS

Originally permitted for short-term recreational vehicle and tent spaces, the Golden Torch property became occupied year-round and overcrowded, causing significant problems.

This unique project, being developed by Mid-Peninsula Housing, will consist of 68 two-story townhouse-style apartments including a manager’s unit and a community center. Construction will occur in 2006-07.

feLton faIre

The 1994 General Plan identifies a 15 acre property near Felton Faire Shopping Center on Graham Hill Road as affordable housing, providing it meets certain criteria. South County Housing is assessing the feasibility of a senior rental project and for-sale housing development on 40% of the property, leaving 60% as permanent open space. An extensive community design process took place over three days and evenings in April 2006.

PARA TRADUCIóN EN ESPAñOL las copias del texto de este boletín de noticias en español están disponibles en el Centro de recurso de roble Vivo en 1438 Camino Capitola en el roble Vivo sólo un bloque al oeste de la 17a Avenida o llamando Danita en 454-3413.

CAN’T FIND OUR wEBSITE?

To access the Redevelopment Agency Home Page type the following into the address line of the web tool bar:

http://sccounty01co.santa-cruz.ca.us/red/

You are now on the Agency’s Home Page. From here you can use any of the links at the top of the page to access the category you are interested in. Scrolling to the bottom of each page will reveal additional links to articles describing individual projects.

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Santa Cruz, CAPermit No. 467

s MBNMS Scenic Trail interpretive display.