Preserve Rio Del Mar and Save Seascape Golf Course!

Santa Cruz County is proposing a major zoning change that would reclassify portions of Seascape Golf Course from Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PR) to Multifamily Residential (R-). This shift threatens a historic community landmark that has provided recreational space and environmental benefits since 1926. The rezoning would bring increased traffic, strain local infrastructure, and permanently alter the character of Rio Del Mar, an area with few alternative transit options. Residents are pushing back against this drastic change to protect their community’s green space, quality of life, recreation, and historical identity.

Come to Board of Supervisors Chamber 3/26 at 9:30am to make your voices heard!

County Government Center

701 Ocean Street, Room 525

Santa Cruz CA 95060

or  Participate Online Here

email saveseascape@gmail.com to get involved!

To: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors & Planning Commission

We, the residents, business owners, and concerned citizens of Rio Del Mar, strongly oppose the proposed rezoning and development included in Batch B of the Housing Element Rezoning Program, particularly the project at 610 Clubhouse Dr., Aptos (APN: 053-011-01).

Re: Opposition to the Housing Element Rezoning Program (Batch B) & Development at 610 Clubhouse Dr., Aptos

Why This Matters:

1. Traffic Congestion 

• Highway 1 is already gridlocked, and additional housing will further strain our roads.
• The Rio Del Mar area lacks alternative transportation—there are no viable public transit options to offset the impact of added residents.
• Emergency response times, already challenged by congestion, will be further delayed, putting lives at risk.

2. Overloaded Infrastructure

• Schools, water resources, and other public services cannot sustain this level of growth without significant upgrades.
• Rio Del Mar Elementary is already above the optimal student to teacher ratio of 18 to 1, with the current ratio at roughly 23 to 1. Adding more residents will further negatively impact this ratio. 
• Soquel Creek Water District has been in a stage 3 water supply shortage since 2014. Adding more residents will only further strain the water supply. Seascape Golf Course uses its own well and does not impact the water supply. 

3. Threat to Seascape Golf Course & Community Character

• Seascape Golf Course has been a beloved part of our community since 1926, providing open green space, recreational opportunities, and a habitat for local wildlife.
• High-density development threatens the historic and scenic character of this area.
• This rezoning would set a precedent for overdevelopment in long-established residential communities that were never designed for such expansion.

4. Environmental Consequences

• Increased development will disrupt local ecosystems, tree canopies, and wildlife habitats.
• Water supply issues are already a concern—more housing without sustainability planning will make it worse.
• A thorough environmental impact review under CEQA must be conducted before any approvals.

5. Lack of Transparency & Public Input

• The rezoning process has moved too quickly without enough community engagement.
• Residents deserve a say in major zoning changes that will permanently alter their lives and neighborhoods.
• The county must prioritize smart growth solutions that align with existing community values and infrastructure capabilities.

We Demand:

1. An immediate halt to the proposed rezoning and development.

2. A full traffic and environmental impact study before any approvals.

3. More public engagement, input and transparency in the decision-making process.

4. Sustainable, community-supported housing solutions that do not compromise infrastructure, history, or quality of life.

📢 Sign and share to stop this rezoning and make your voice heard before it’s too late!