The church has up until very recently, discretely gone through the process of planning a two-story, 10-unit apartment building aimed to assist unhoused residents in Santa Cruz County. Their ability to build, is under California Senate Bill 4 passed in 2023.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB4

While the intention is noble, the reality is distressing for those living nearby as it brings the potential for increased concerns about safety and management.  



Community members can confirm that past and present experiences with the individuals allowed to seek refuge in their parking lot, have led to other individuals and their various belongings spilling out into the surrounding community. This has raised concern for issues that can impact the Seacliff Skate Park as well as the surrounding community.  The concerns are safety, privacy, and property values.

There is a school bus stop near by....How do people feel about a potential shelter going right next to a park and school bus stop?  What is their vetting process? Who will be living in this structure?  Will there be long term tenant leases or short term tenant leases? Who will manage the structure? Is the church equipped to handle any and all potential negative situations relating to the tenants?

Although providing housing to those in need is important, the location and management of such a facility require transparency and public discussion, which has been sorely lacking. The current proposal by the church comes under the guise of permanent housing.  However, the proposed "communal" spaces resemble that of a shelter or transitional style living space. The developer is the founder of peoples-housing.org who creates housing for unhoused residents.  The plans for St. Johns house is on his site. https://www.peoples-housing.org/home          

Investing in proper, well-thought-out permanent housing solutions that do not infringe on the community's well-being, well-being of person’s housed within the apartments, and public spaces is essential. The placement of this building also infringes upon the privacy of its neighbors who were not included in the planning process.

Join us in urging the local government to halt the approval of this project until a more suitable and community-approved plan is proposed. Your signature can help protect our park, school bus stops, personal property, the tenants of this proposed building, and the established community members. Keep Seacliff safe and welcoming for everyone who calls it home. Sign this petition today to voice your opposition and demand action!