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Imagine Live Oak: 17th & Capitola Road Development
Community Meetings
In 2011 the State eliminated Redevelopment Agencies in California.  Our county pursued an innovative strategy that resulted in a new Boys and Girls Club, a new Sheriff's center for public safety, and new parks in Soquel and Live Oak, along with other projects. We were also required to sell two properties that were purchased with Redevelopment funds but had insufficient plans for development.  The property in the First District is located on Capitola Road, right off 17th Avenue.  

Last May a community meeting was held that attracted over 130 people to envision the kind of development we wanted on that nearly four acre property. Based on the feedback, the County created a request for proposals to developers. We received three proposals and chose to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Mid-Peninsula Housing. They have proposed a joint project with the Santa Cruz Community Health Centers and Dientes Community Dental Care.

This month they are going to showcase their vision for the property and solicit input from the community about their plans. This will be an opportunity to weigh in on this important project and help ensure that the development meets the needs of our community. The meetings will be conducted in an open house format so you can drop in at any time during the meetings, see the plans, and provide your input.  Please come and share your ideas.

Live Oak Elementary School
1916 Capitola Road
Thursday, April 12, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 14, 10:00 a.m. - noon

Translation services will be provided. 
 Please RSVP by April 10 for free childcare: 707-2138

Nissan Development Update
I have been told by the Planning Department that they expect to have the final EIR for the Nissan proposal done in the coming weeks and that the proposal might be heard by the Planning Commission as early as April 25.  This could change and I will send out a notice when the EIR is complete and a date has been set. Stay tuned.

Affordable Housing Bond Measure
The Board of Supervisors has taken steps over the past year to address the need for affordable housing in our community. We have created a new funding system that asks all new development to help pay for affordable housing in the county.  We have made significant changes to the rules that help reduce costs and encourage the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). I am continuing to push our Board to also reinstate the requirement that development of new multiple units include affordable units built on site, rather than allowing the developer to pay in-lieu fees.

While the Board has been looking at new development strategies, there has been a group of community leaders that has been looking at a funding mechanism to support both affordable housing development and homeless services in our community.  The group wants to talk with the community about their ideas and has planned a community meeting in Live Oak. 

Former Santa Cruz Mayor Don Lane and former Assembly member and County Treasurer Fred Keeley have been leading this effort. I encourage you to attend a meeting on April 17 to find out about their efforts and to see if you want to get involved.
Housing Solutions Bond Meeting
Tuesday, April 17
Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Avenue
    7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, April 4

5:30-6:30 p.m.
Porter Memorial Library
3050 Porter Street
Soquel

Wednesday, April 11

5:30-6:30 p.m.
People's Coffee
1200 17th Avenue 
Live Oak

Wednesday, April 18

5:30-6:30 p.m.
Loma Prieta School
Community Room
23845 Summit Road
Summit Area

STAFF
831-454-2200
Not paid for with County funds