Now is the time to write the City of Santa Cruz Planning Commissioners to let them know not to change the requirement for the 20% affordable housing to be built in new developments in Santa Cruz. The change that is being purposed allows the property manager/owner of the property to rent to only 15% affordable housing renters because 5% of the units can go back to moderate earners if the landlord states they were unable to locate a suitable affordable housing candidate to rent to.

The purposed change is listed on the red-lined version by Scrolling down to Section 24 16.030 Item 9 on the following link:

https://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/ATT%201_REDLINE%20OF%20PROPOSED%20CHANGES.DOCX.pdf?meetingId=1548&documentType=Agenda&itemId=7973&publishId=6812&isSection=false

Please write an email to the following people involved:

cityplan@cityofsantacruz.com

miriam@ucsc.edu

seangmaxwell@gmail.com

info@nielsenarchitects.com

aschiffr@gmail.com

psdesign@hotmail.com

cdawson@sbcglobal.net

julie.conway@santacruzcounty.us

Let them know. You do NOT want the 20% inclusionary affordable housing requirement changed.

We do need more housing which is affordable in Santa Cruz. 20% of a new development is not taking care of all the affordable housing needs in Santa Cruz and it is the least we can do to help our community. Let the above people know THE FULL 20% INCLUSIONARY AFFORDABLE HOUSING MUST REMAIN. DO NOT CHANGE 5% OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENT.

The proposal would allow the 5% of housing to go to an income of one individual making $82,300 annually. Let's support the service workers of our restaurants and small businesses who have been hit so hard and keep the affordable housing for them by continuing the 20% affordable housing percentage. The $82,300 threshold for 120% earners which are the moderate incomes are not our service workers. Keeping our service workers in Santa Cruz will cut our environmental footprint from growing due to the workers need to travel on Hwy 1 for lower rent. Keep as much traffic off of Hwy One as possible.

Write your email today!  You can watch the Planning Commissions Meeting this Thursday, Sept 17 at 7 pm. https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/planning-and-community-development/public-hearing-bodies-commissions/planning-commission

Writing is important!