Accomplishments 1987-2008

Over the past two decades,

Redevelopment efforts have

resulted in many improvements

in Soquel and Live Oak. Some

are described below and others

are listed in the circles in this

newsletter.

to promote small business areas

of over 1,700

street trees

pedestrian

Redevelopment Update F A L L 2 0 0 8 V O L U M E 1 7

S A N T A C R U Z C O U N T Y R E D E V E L O P M E N T A G E N C Y

Li ve Oa k a n d S o qu e l

Members of the County Board of Supervisors serve as the Board of Directors of the Redevelop-ment Agency. From left to right: Mark W. Stone, Neal Coonerty, Jan Beautz, Ellen Pirie, and Tony Campos.

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Anna Jean Cummings Park

Live Oak Library

Simpkins Family Swim Center

Parkhurst Family Housing

30th Avenue construction Upper 7th Avenue East Cliff Drive in Pleasure Point

Cabrillo College Drive, Eaton Street, Bulb Avenue Improvements

Preliminary design of improvements for these street projects will begin in 2009. Residents will be invited to attend neighborhood meetings to be held by the Agency for each of these projects.

2008 Sidewalk Infill Project

Under construction for completion this fall:

–Soquel Drive, north side from Dominican Hospital to Paul

Sweet Road

–South Rodeo Gulch Road, west side

–24th Avenue, west side south of Felt Street

RDA Proj ect Manager–James

Davies

30th Avenue–Portola Drive to Brommer Street

Following replacement of sewer lines by the Department of Public Works, construction of the road improvements were completed this summer.

This project provides two travel lanes with bike lanes on both sides of the road, continuous sidewalks on the east side, and other safety improvements.

RDA Project Manager–James Davies

Road and Pedestrian Improvements

Highlighted are road projects currently “in the works.” To see if your street is scheduled for pavement overlay during the coming year, turn to the Pavement Management list on the back page of this newsletter.

Upper 7th Avenue–Capitola Road to Soquel Avenue

This project has been delayed until the fall of 2008 pending right-of-way acquisitions. Construction will begin with drainage improvements and will include curbs and gutters, sidewalks, and bike lanes.

Completion of more than 42 road, traffic, drainage and sidewalk improvement projectsA

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Modification of the striping of the road will enhance traffic safety near the intersection at Capitola Road. Street tree planting along 7th Avenue and the frontage of the Animal Services site will finish this project. Construction is expected to take four to six months.

RDA Project Manager–Sheryl Bailey

Soquel Avenue–from Soquel Drive at Hwy 1 exit to 17th Avenue

This highly-traveled, mixed-use business area on the south side of Soquel Avenue constitutes our newest road project. The project will include the construction of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and the planting of street trees.

Preliminary design work and traffic analysis is underway with construction planned for late 2009.

RDA Project Manager–Melissa Allen

17th Avenue Drainage Improvements

This small drainage project to improve the f low of storm water north of Capitola Road is planned for construction this fall.

RDA Project Manager– Robert Hambelton

View along 7th Avenue

The need for sidewalks on Soquel Avenue

Twin Lakes beach front Twin Lakes beach Twin Lakes meeting

Twin Lakes Beach Front Project– East Cliff Drive from the Harbor to 9th Avenue

A series of community meetings have resulted in a proposed conceptual plan for improvements along East Cliff Drive. These meetings were well attended indicating strong community interest in the project.

Project goals include the need to maximize pedestrian access and safety, provide for safe bicycle access, improve parking and vehicular circulation, maintain scenic quality, and plan for other improvements, such as drainage and coastal protection.

The final design presented to the community incorporated these goals by providing a beach front walk way, safe crosswalks and passenger loading zones, adding bike lanes, organizing diagonal parking in two main areas, and undergrounding utilities. Community input was instrumental in the development of this design.

This conceptual design has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and can be viewed at the Agency’s website. The plans and studies required to obtain permits will be prepared next.

RDA Project Manage–James Davies

Significant projects are happening along the coastline from the Harbor to the Hook. Once completed, pedestrians and bicyclists will have a continuous route along the scenic coastal areas of Live Oak.

Coastal Projects

East Cliff Drive Walkway Project– 9th to 12th Avenues at Schwan Lake

This pedestrian walkway, extending from 9th Avenue along the lagoon side of East Cliff Drive, will connect with the sidewalks near 12th Avenue. A new crosswalk will be located south of Prospect Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety.

Delays were experienced as result of more extensive soil exploration required for engineering design. Moreover, sensitive habitat issues have arisen due to the existing nesting of cormorants.

Within the coming year, the Agency expects to complete the permitting process with the County and the Coastal Commission and to reach an agreement with California State Parks concerning easements for the portion of the pathway that is adjacent to the boundary of Schwan Lake, part of Twin Lakes State Beach.

RDA Project Manager: James Davies

East Cliff Drive Pedestrian Improvements–17th to Palisades Avenues

In the fall and winter of 2007, four neighborhood meetings were held to coordinate ideas for a conceptual plan for this project. The design proposed will improve bicycle lanes, enhance pedestrian safety at crosswalks and intersections, and construct a pedestrian walk on the south side of East Cliff Drive from 17th

Avenue to Moran Lake Park, proceeding on the north side

of East Cliff Drive to Palisades Avenue.

Development plans will next be prepared prior to the submittal of an application for a Coastal Development Permit.

RDA Project Manager–Sheryl Bailey

East Cliff Parkway and Bluff Stabilization Project–East Cliff Drive from 32nd to 41st Avenues

The bluff wall portion of this project, designed to stabilize the underlying cliffs and to match their natural character, received approval by the Coastal Commission in December of 2007. With this final approval, construction will begin in the spring of 2009. Riprap will be removed from the beach between 32nd and 36th Avenues and at the Hook, and three new access stairways will be constructed. This first phase is expected to take 12 months to complete.

Accessibility for locals and visitors will be the focus of the second phase. These improvements will include a wide bike path, pedestrian walkway, safety railings and landscaping. There will also be improvements to Pleasure Point Park at 32nd Avenue.

In recognition of the complexity and effort required to obtain permit approval for these projects, staff were honored by the Board of Supervisors with the Bronze Award at the 2007 Employee Recognition Awards.

RDA Project Manager–Melissa Allen

Creation of new public parking lots in Soquel Village and at the Hook at the end of 41st Avenue

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Chanticleer Park–Chanticleer Avenue north of Capitola Road

Just a half block north of Capitola Road on Chanticleer Avenue is a 4.5 acre park site that will soon be developed by the Agency to serve the surrounding neighborhoods. Already located on the property are a designated historic Craftsman house and a water tower relocated from one of the local chicken farms. These features will help give this park its own personality. Community meetings to discuss other elements of park planning are scheduled to start in the fall of 2008.

RDA Project Manager–James Davies

Moran Lake Habitat and Park Improvements

Moran Lake Park improvements, funded by the Agency and to be developed by the Parks Department, include Monarch butterf ly habitat, water quality, and park improvements. Plans for the stabilization of the lake bank, an interpretive path, habitat garden, as well as restroom, parking and drainage upgrades, are expected to be submitted to the Planning Department for permits in the fall of 2008. For more information, contact the Parks Department at 454-7900.

The Farm Park and Community Center

MIG, Inc., Landscape Architects, along with local architectural and civil engineering firms of Thatcher & Thompson and Mesiti-Miller, respectively, have been retained to prepare design plans to implement the Farm Master Plan. They will look at the application of green building principles and development of a nature interpretive program to fully realize the community’s goals for this property.

The Steve Boysol Community Gardens at this site will commemorate the proprietor of the Farm Restaurant and Bakery. An avid gardener, Steve rented garden space to the local community creating the first community gardens in the area.

Providing artwork that ref lects the rural character of the property, “Metamorphosis” will offer a variety of interrelated elements including an outdoor area with stone benches and mosaics, and other art ref lecting the natural habitat, such as a weather vane, art glass and pedestrian bridge gates.

The community will be invited to review the preliminary plans in late 2008. With that work in hand, the application for development permits will be submitted to be followed by the preparation of the construction drawings. Construction of the park is slated for 2010.

RDA Project Manager–Sheryl Bailey

Parks in the Making!

Along with updates on the status of current park projects, the results of redevelopment efforts to create a park system are highlighted.

Floral Park–38th Avenue south of Portola Drive

Working with the community to create a plan for the renovation of this neighborhood park has resulted in a concept for new play and picnic areas, additional swings, and an off-leash area for dogs. Local landscape architects SSA of Santa Cruz are preparing the preliminary plans for the development and permit process to be followed by preparation of construction documents, which will take most of the coming year. Construction is tentatively set to begin in 2009.

RDA Project Manager–Melissa Allen

Felt Street Park

The Parks Department is in the process of obtaining permits for the construction of this new neighborhood park funded by the Redevelopment Agency. The park will provide a fenced tot-lot, play area, climbing wall, small skate element, bocce ball courts and garden and picnic areas. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2009. For more information, please contact the Parks Department at 454-7900.

This fall we start work on the design of the newest neighborhood park on Chanticleer Avenue.

Parks are vital places in the community where families and friends can gather, children can play, teams can challenge each other, and nature can be enjoyed. Over the years, the Redevelopment Agency has focused on purchasing land and developing a system of neighborhood and regional parks to serve residents throughout all areas of Live Oak and Soquel.

Neighborhood parks are planned throughout the community to serve

the surrounding residential area and to provide places for play, picnics and barbecues, walking, gardening, communing with nature, and relaxation.

Regional parks serve the larger community with sports fields, pools, community centers and group picnic areas, among other amenities. Highlighted here are some of the parks built by the Agency and maintained by the Parks Department for the pleasure of county residents.

“The RDA has provided wonderful improvements for the First District in

so many ways. Perhaps the most dramatic is our great parks system, which has made

such a difference to our neighborhoods, and which includes our beautiful swimming pool.

And there is still much more to come!”

–Jan Beautz, First District Supervisor

Parks of Live Oak & Soquel

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13 parks developed, improved or in-progress

Acquisition of over 120 acres of park land

Jose Avenue Park

Simpkins FamilySwim Center

Anna Jean Cummings Park

Parks are vital places in the community where families and friends can gather, children can play, teams can challenge each other, and nature can be enjoyed. Over the years, the Redevelopment Agency has focused on purchasing land and developing a system of neighborhood and regional parks to serve residents throughout all areas of Live Oak and Soquel.

Neighborhood parks are planned throughout the community to serve

the surrounding residential area and to provide places for play, picnics and barbecues, walking, gardening, communing with nature, and relaxation.

Regional parks serve the larger community with sports fields, pools, community centers and group picnic areas, among other amenities. Highlighted here are some of the parks built by the Agency and maintained by the Parks Department for the pleasure of county residents.

“The RDA has provided wonderful improvements for the First District in

so many ways. Perhaps the most dramatic is our great parks system, which has made

such a difference to our neighborhoods, and which includes our beautiful swimming pool.

And there is still much more to come!”

–Jan Beautz, First District Supervisor

Parks of Live Oak & Soquel

Jose Avenue Park Willowbrook Park

Community Gardens in Jose Avenue Park

Simpkins FamilySwim Center

Twin Lakes Park

Restrooms and showers at the Hook

Housing

Through the Housing Section of the Planning Department, the Agency funds a variety of programs and projects that assist affordable housing. To ensure long-term affordability for future homeowners, units assisted through these programs have long-term resale price restrictions.

Projects

Pleasant Acres Mobile Home Park

Transformation of the Pleasant Acres Mobile Home Park on 17th Avenue near Capitola Road is underway. Non-profit housing developer South County Housing Inc. (SCH) purchased this 65-unit mobile home park in Live Oak after interim ownership by the Agency. The project involved close collaboration between SCH, the Agency and residents over the past few years. Key features of the project include: rebuilding the park’s infrastructure, reconstructing the community room, installing landscaping, improving lighting, and replacing some of the older homes with new manufactured homes. The project was funded by state and federal programs and the Agency.

Construction is scheduled to be completed later this fall. The park will provide permanently affordable housing as new unit sales will be restricted to income eligible families.

Please contact SCH at (408) 842-9181 for more information or if you want to be added to a list of potentially interested purchasers when units become available in the park.

Canterberry Park Town Homes

SCH is preparing plans to develop a 19-unit townhome development on Canterberry Drive and Searidge Road in Aptos. This affordable ownership project is adjacent to

the proposed park 1.25 acre McGregor Park, and is directly across the street from SCH’s 39-unit Seacliff Highlands low and very low income family rental project.

Parkhurst Terrace

Non-profit developer Mid Peninsula Housing Coalition recently completed 68 townhome style apartments for low and very low-income families on the former Golden Torch RV Park on Freedom Blvd.

Felton Faire

SCH is preparing a development proposal for an affordable housing project in Felton consisting of low-income rental units for seniors and homeownership units for a range of income groups. The proposal, located adjacent to the Felton Faire shopping center, would incorporate environmentally-friendly features and preserve more than half the site as permanent open space.

Programs

First Time Home Buyer

This popular program offers low and moderate income households a subsidy of up to 25% of the purchase price of a home. Participants provide a 3% down payment and obtain bank financing to qualify for the program. Home prices may not exceed

$325,000 for a mobile home or $425,000 for real property.

Mobile Home Change Out

This appealing new program allows low- and moderate-income owners of older mobile homes to receive a subsidy of up to $60,000 towards the purchase of a new replacement unit.

Mobile Home Rehabilitation

This program addresses life-threatening health and safety issues in older mobile homes owned by very low income households. Low interest loans up to $25,000 are available.

Other Below Market Rate Housing

Through various County programs (most notably the Measure J program), each year an estimated 10-20 owners of existing affordable units sell their homes to income eligible households. County staff maintains an “Interested Purchasers List” for those who wish to be notified when a unit is available for sale.

You can learn more about these programs, including the Interested Purchasers List by linking to http://www.sccoplanning.com/html/housing/index_housing.htm or contacting housing staff at 454-2336.

Construction and preserva-tion of more than 1,180 affordablehousing units throughout the unincorporated CountyA

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Pleasant Acres Mobile Home Park before construction

Pleasant Acres Mobile Home Park under construction

View of the proposed Live Oak Resource Center from 17th Avenue.

Community Facilities

Two new buildings, when completed, will house non-profit and County organizations that serve the well-being of the community.

A library, a community center, a Sheriff’s service center, and a new animal services facilityA

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Live Oak Resource Center

Well-placed to serve the Live Oak community, the Resource Center on 17th Avenue near Capitola Road will provide a permanent facility for the Live Oak Family Resource Center and the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. These successful non-profit organizations offer many needed services.

The Agency has contracted with Boone & Low Architects of Santa Cruz to create the site layout, building designs, and f loor plans for the Center. Green building

practices will be incorporated into this two-story design.

The Santa Cruz landscape firm of Joni Janeck & Associates has been commissioned to lay out play areas, bicycle storage, gardens and outdoor meeting areas, as well as identify practical water conservation features.

The Agency anticipates that the design will be complete and building permits issued by next summer, allowing for construction to follow.

RDA Project Manager–Robert Hambelton

Animal Services

The new Animal Services Facility, located at 7th Avenue and Rodriguez Street, provides offices, kennels, adoption and treatment centers for the County. The Ralph Larsen & Son, Inc. construction company completed the building.

Three artists were chosen to celebrate the joy between people and their animal companions. The art includes large, whimsical animal portraits decorating the fences, animal portraits for the lobby, and granite benches with differing leg designs and colors to create seating areas.

The facility is now open to the public.

RDA Project Manager–Robert Hambelton

Animal Services buildingParkhurst Terrace residents

Graffiti Abatement

Graffiti has become an extensive problem in our county, and most recently in the Live Oak and Soquel areas. Once it appears in an area, it tends to attract more. Graffiti can negatively impact the quality of life in a community and affect people’s perceptions about safety.

The Volunteer Center, which will occupy part of the new recource center at 17th

Santa Cruz County Redevelopment AgencyGovernment Center, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510Santa Cruz, California 95060

phone: (831) 454-2280email: rda@co.santa-cruz.ca.uswebsite: http://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/red/

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Redevelopment Website To access the Redevelopment Agency Home Page type the following into the address line of the web tool bar:

http://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/red/

You are now on the Agency’s Home Page. From here you can use any of the links at the top of the page to access categories of interest. Scrolling to the bottom of each page will reveal additional links to articles describing individual projects.

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSanta Cruz, CAPermit No. 467

Pavement ManagementRoads scheduled for pavement overlay this summer and fall are:

30th Avenue35th Avenue36th AvenueBridge StreetBrommer StreetCenter StreetCorcoran AvenueDarlene DriveHardin WayLisa Lane

Graffiti

abatement–

removing 2,786

tags in the last

six months

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Avenue and Capitola Road, runs a volunteer program to remove graffiti from private property and public improvements. The center offers assistance to property owners and support for neighborhood pride teams.

The Agency, working with the Volunteer Center, has created a program to remove graffiti from public and roadside improvements in Live Oak and Soquel.

This includes the clean-up of retaining walls, benches, sidewalks, utility poles, and traffic signs.

To offer your help, or to report graffiti, you can call the following numbers:

Volunteer Center’s Graffiti Hot Line: 427-0462

Redevelopment Agency: 454-2280

Lotman DriveMerrill StreetOpal Cliff DrivePortola DriveRodeo Gulch Road (north)Rodriguez StreetSoquel DriveSunny Cove Drive

For more specific locations of Pavement Management work, please visit the RDA website at http://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/red/CommImps.htm

Para Tradución en Español

Copias de este boletín están disponibles en español en el Centro de Recursos de Live Oak ubicado en 1438 Capitola Road. O llame a 454-2336 y habla con Micaela.

Redevelopment AgencyBOARD OF DIRECTORSSUPERVISORS:Jan BeautzTony CamposNeal CoonertyEllen PirieMark W. Stone

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Susan Mauriello

AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR

Betsey Lynberg

New pavement overlay Graffiti removal in Soquel parking lot