Hi Everyone,
Here is an example of an email to send tonight on the 831 Water St. proposed project. Please send to to cityplan@cityofsantacruz.com
Please copy: rbane@santacruzca.gov and citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com
Dear Santa Cruz Planning Commission,
The proposed development at 831 Water St. has health concerns with the number of units on the proposed site due to the lack of space for Fed X, Amazon vans, and garbage trucks. Due to the size of the building these vehicles will need to back up onto busy streets. Citizens and tourists do not need more traffic accidents in our town. This is a health concern.
Another health concern is the amount of shade that will be placed on the homes near the project. This is unhealthy due to mold growth from lack of sun. There are already more than 628 affordable units being built and over 2464 market-rate units in Santa Cruz which shows we are well on our way with 3,092 units to meet our RHNA goal by 2031.
Asking the developer to propose fewer units where he can still get federal dollars without putting others at a health risk is the right thing to do. The lack of parking will cause so much stress for the nearby neighborhood even if half the residents are UCSC students and ride the bus. The stress and mental health issues are not good for our residents and the lack of parking causes a health concern due to the stress. Mental health is a health issue. Even if a project cannot be required to have parking, a lack of parking is a health concern when the nearby neighborhood cannot accommodate more cars. This has been verified by the Branciforte neighborhood in the November 2024 online community meeting.
A three-story building would help meet the RHNA goals and the developer could continue to ask for federal dollars. Los Gatos is building craftsman-style 3 & 4-story housing units. Santa Cruz should have Mediterranean-style buildings similar to the one close to this project on Water Street; not long plain boxes.
Please consider asking for a new proposal application or deny the project based on health reasons.
Sincerely,
Your name
Everyone has until 12 noon tomorrow Dec 18 to submit your letter. The planning meeting is at the City Council Chambers located at 809 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA starting at 7 pm Dec 19. It is the 3rd item on the agenda. There is no need to arrive at 7. Tell others in your neighborhood to attend. We need as many people as possible to attend.
Thank you.