by spadmin | Apr 9, 2024 | Uncategorized
April 9, 2024
Dear Supervisor Koenig,
This is a formal request that Tim Gordin be replaced as your District 1 representative on our County’s Planning Commission.
As CEO of Workbench, Mr. Gordin is a developer. His lengthy discussion in the Santa Cruz Sentinel (April 6, 2024) supporting Workbench’s proposed 18-story building in downtown Santa Cruz specifically outlines his philosophy that includes projects having maximum density and substantial height. Note: we respect Workbench’s commitment to provide more low-income units than required; it is unfortunate that all developers do not do such.
We re-iterate that development on Portola’s Commercial Corridor is welcomed. The Pleasure Point Guidelines and Design Principles envision that development on Portola whether – all commercial, multi-use or housing – be characterized by varied architectural styles and sizes compatible to nurture and foster Pleasure Point’s style and local character.
Per his statements: we respectfully question Mr. Gordin’s ability to act impartially with understanding, appreciation and the obligation for a middle ground which is preserving our community’s uniqueness to a developer’s wants for size, density and profit.
We ask that you when replace Mr. Gordon that you do not seat another developer (or the like) in this position.
Submitted by Save Pleasure Point’s Steering Committee: Jo Ann Allen, Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, George McCullough, Padi Romero, Matt McMillan, Debbie Shulman, Jerry Still, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter, Vanessa Young (all PPt residents, property and business owners)
by spadmin | Jun 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
Support getting an activated (flasher) beacon for the Moran Beach crosswalk in place before the summer crowds start! https://gofund.me/cf4a5373 – Flashing Crosswalk for Moran Beach organized by Vanessa Young
East Cliff (ECl) is one of PPt’s two main access/exit roads.
Rain or shine Moran has become a very popular beach; it requires crossing East Cliff to access it.
Whether driving down the hill or coming around the bend on East Cliff too many drivers are not aware of its crosswalk; many pedestrians going to Moran or leaving it head out into the street unaware a car is coming – there have been many near misses.
At this time FEMA money has not come into the County for winter storm repairs; the budget cannot cover this expense until next year.
This activation system needs to be put in sooner than later. Let’s make this activated beacon happen! Save Pleasure Point (SPPt) supports this effort and hopes you will donate now!
info@savepleasurepoint.org; Save Pleasure Point Steering Committee: Jo Ann Allen, Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, George McCullough, Padi Romero, Matt McMillan, Debbie Shulman, Jerry Still, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter (all PPt residents, property owners and business owners)
by spadmin | Jun 28, 2022 | Uncategorized
Hi everyone! PLEZ send emails NOW! The 2022 Sustainability Plan includes the Co’s proposal to re-zone most of Portola to urban residential high density zoning (9 undeveloped parcels immediately impacted). Planning Commissioners next meet re: this Plan on July 13.
SPPt supports growth and housing yet feels this zoning classification is infastructure overload. Concerns include no date and no funding for Portola improvements yet more cars use it all the time; the Plan reduces on-site parking requirements, there’s no increase in public transportation services and more!
SAY NO TO PROPOSED RF – R-UHF ZONING – URBAN RESIDENTIAL, FLEXIBLE HIGH DENSITY: 22- 45 units per 1 acre
1. 45 units per 1 acre is 207 units on 4.61 acres
2.. Developer Density Bonus allowances can JUMP 45 units to 81 units per 1 acre = 373 units on 4.61 acres
URGE a CHANGE TO URBAN HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONING – R-UH: 11 – 30 UNITS PER 1 ACRE (28 IS PREFERRED MAXIMUM):
1. 28 units per 1 acre = 129 units on 4.61 acres; 30 units per 1 acre = 138 units on 4.61 acres
2. Developer Density Bonuses allowances can JUMP 28 units to 50 units per 1 acre and to 232 units on 4.61 acres; 30 units jump to 54 units per 1 acre and to 249 units on 4.61 acres
3.. NO to heights over 35 feet, four (4) stories and/or higher
NOTE: Flashing beacons at 3 crosswalks are due to loud advocacy to PWks by SPPt. The 3 2017-18 Community mtgs were also initiated per SPPt’s efforts > these meetings produced the Portola Commercial Design Guidelines which are Appendix B in the Sustainability Plan.
If we stay united we can Save Pleasure Pt’s vibrancy plus make “us” better! Act now – please email: manu.koenig@santacruzcounty.us; matt.machado@santacruzcounty.us; stephanie.hansen@santacruzcounty.us; AND to Planning Commisioners Lazenby, Gordon, Shaffer-Frietas, Dann and Shepherd via michael.lam@santacruzcounty.us; Michael is liaison their person
For more see my May 16 2022 post and JoAnne Allen’s post of SPPt’s survey results: our 8 questions got 97 responses in a 1 week!! SAVE PLEASURE POINT Steering Committee (SPPt; alpha order) JoAnn Allen, Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, George McCullough, Matt McMillan, Padi Romero, Debbie Shulman, Jerry Still, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter info@savepleasurepoint.org
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