We received a response from the County via their instagram page. Link below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHCgz6ZSgV-/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

 

📢 Housing Element Rezones Batch B 🏡

 

We’ve heard concerns that the entire Seascape Golf Course is being rezoned for housing—but that’s not the case.

 

Here are the facts:

 

✅ The rezoning only affects a small portion of the parcel where the golf course is located—about 1/3 of an acre, currently consisting of a portion of an existing parking lot—not the golf course itself.

 

✅ The parcel where the golf course is located is split-zoned meaning it will have two types of zoning—part of the parking lot is within the same parcel as the golf course. The rezoning would apply only to the parking lot portion, not the golf course.

 

✅ The proposal is to rezone the existing paved parking and clubhouse area (smaller parcel of land) to allow housing if the property owner chooses to propose it in the future.

 

✅ No housing is currently planned—this change only creates the possibility down the road.

 

Check out the map on page 10 of Appendix F in our Housing Element for details

Our Response:

We appreciate the county’s clarification, but the core concerns remain unresolved. While the county states that only a small portion (1/3 acre) of the Seascape Golf Course parcel is being rezoned, the implications of this change extend far beyond just a parking lot.

 

Key Concerns with the County’s Response:

 

1️⃣ Rezoning Sets a Precedent for Future Development

• The county acknowledges that no housing is currently planned, but fails to address that rezoning opens the door for future development. Once the zoning is changed, it becomes significantly easier for developers to push for additional land use changes down the road. What assurances do residents have that further rezoning and development won’t occur?

2️⃣ Impacts on Traffic, Infrastructure & Community Character

• Even if housing were only built on 1/3 of an acre, additional residential units would increase traffic congestion, strain emergency response times, and further stress existing infrastructure.

• The Rio Del Mar area is still in a stage 3 water supply shortage. This has not been addressed by the county through this proposal. Rio Del Mar Elementary is already above optimal student teacher ratios. 

 

3️⃣ Split-Zoning Creates Uncertainty for Seascape’s Future

• The golf course and parking lot are part of the same parcel, meaning this zoning change alters the legal designation of land within the golf course’s footprint.

• This could encourage further rezoning requests or future development encroaching on the recreational space.

4️⃣ Lack of Transparency About Affordability Requirements

• The county has not clarified whether this rezoning is for market-rate housing or affordable housing.

5️⃣ Golf Course Operations in Jeopardy

• The proposed rezoning eliminates existing parking for golfers, guests, and employees. How does the county expect Seascape Golf Course to continue operating without adequate parking?

• The county has not provided any plan for replacement parking. If there is nowhere for golfers to park, this could effectively force the closure of the course in the future, leading to even more land being opened up for development.

 

6️⃣ What Happens to the Historic Clubhouse?

• Seascape Golf Course has been a community staple since 1926, and its clubhouse is a historic landmark that has served generations of golfers and residents.

• If this area is rezoned, will the clubhouse be demolished or repurposed for housing? The county’s response does not address the fate of this important structure.

 

7️⃣ Lack of Community Input & Transparency

• The nature of this “batched” zoning makes it difficult for residents to properly voice concerns regarding specific proposals impacting their neighborhoods. This allows Supervisors to wash their hands of any specific rezoning proposal as pressure from the State makes it imperative that they hit specific targets. 

Bottom Line: A Parking Lot Today, More Development Tomorrow

While the county downplays the immediate impact, rezoning is never just about today—it’s about what becomes possible in the future. Residents deserve stronger guarantees that this change will not lead to more encroachment on Seascape Golf Course or open spaces in Aptos.

Rezoning, no matter how small, shapes the future of our community. Residents have a right to be heard.

Please be sure to attend the March 26th meeting at 9:30am at the following address:

County Government Center

701 Ocean Street, Room 525

Santa Cruz CA 95060