by spadmin | Oct 13, 2021 | Uncategorized
Save Pleasure Point is an informal group of PPt residents, property owners and business owners working to protect, preserve, and build on PPts unique character and surroundings by networking with county the Planning Department and applicants of new or remodel projects and passing information on to the community through Nextdoor.com, Facebook, savepleasurepoint.org and direct emails.
We’re realists: we know commercial and mixed-use projects for Portola’s business/shopping area are happening. Yet we say NO to Portola becoming a clone of Mission St or Upper 41st’ Avenue style and looks. New projects should reflect Lower 41st ‘s character regarding height, design, on-site parking. Projects should not add stress to our local neighborhood infrastructure.
If you support these goals and are interested in becoming a part of our working group please send a short email to info@savepleasurepoint.org; please include:
· How long you’ve lived in PPt? (have to live in PPt)
· Portola Commercial Development projects: are you familiar with nxtdr posts and discussions about the various projects permitted yet not under construction?
· What skills and personal strengths will you bring to the committee?
Current Volunteer Steering Committee Members: (current) Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Tara Gasta, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, George McCullough, Padi Romero, Debbie Shulman, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter
by spadmin | Sep 30, 2021 | Uncategorized
Dear Friends of Save Pleasure Point,
Ecology Action has released the survey of the June 2021 Bike Installation Project on Portola Drive along with a press release and traffic study issues related to this project. Here is the link to the survey: https://ecoact.org/poweredbyme/
The press release is a very important read! Not surprising, there were many negative responses. However, there are also a variety of suggestions for improvements included. More street changes to Portola will be coming; it is crucial that the next round of time and money achieve positive results.
The residents and business owners in PPt are directly impacted by all street issues on Portola including location of truck deliveries and any blocking of driveways.
Save Pleasure Point has communicated to Supervisor Koenig, the Department of Public Works and to Ecology Action that responder feedback – negative as well as ideas/suggestions of solutions – be specifically included in their discussions and models for any/all future improvements related to Portola including intersections. An outline of new proposals should also go out to local residents and business owners before any future implementation takes place.
Please re-affirm SPPt’s request – send emails to:
Supervisor Manu Koenig firstdistrict@santacruzcounty.us
Matt Machado mattmachado@santacruzcounty.us
Amelia Conlen amelia.conlen@ecoact.org
Russell Chen russell.chen@santacruzcounty.us
You can also send comments OR questions to our Save Pleasure Point Steering Committee: savepleasurepoint.org or info@savepleasure.org
Signed: Patti B on behalf of SPPt
by spadmin | Aug 10, 2021 | Uncategorized
Opal Cliffs Motors – Cliff Café Bldg. – 03206113 The Novak’s permit for a retail shop and patio for Cliff Café is in process. When the change of use permit application is deemed complete public notice will go up and notices will be sent out to neighbors within 300 feet. If there are no major comments or concerns the permit should be approved = the remodel can go forward.
Pleasure Point Plaza App: 181263 (current storage yard across from SUDA + Black Pearl site) This site remains unchanged. Abbas, the owner, had considered asking to expand the number of permitted affordable housing units (currently 33 – 4 low income). However, now per Covid perhaps he is considering asking for larger units vs. more density. Financing for mixed-use projects has become difficult per the shift to online buying. He has until 12/24/2022 to file for an extension/amendment.
The Lumberyard – 38th & Portola We understand a Time Extension and Amendment related to the current mixed-use permit will be submitted “soon”. Such will require a separate review for any proposed changes; word is that the developer (Pietro) will reduce retail space to add more condos (8 currently approved), eliminate the 8 garages to add more-onsite uncovered parking. SPPt’s view: more on-site parking will avoid its’ residents and patrons usurping nearby tax-payer paid on-street public parking. The 4-sale signs are still up; the ask price remains $4.5M
Back in Shape Chiropractic site + “empty” parcel next door 032-051-22 The permit application for a 14 unit rental mixed-use project submitted June 0219 has no current actions to it
“Ed’s Auto” – 3801 Portola: 032-051–21- and – 33 The site is kept clean = the owner is a good neighbor. The owner is allowed to continue the site’s nonconforming use until ready to remodel and convert to other uses.
Former used car lot next to Cat & Cloud 032-082-39 No permit application has been submitted.
STAND WITH SAVE PLEASURE POINT (SPPt) – Protect, preserve Pleasure Point’s unique character and surroundings > keep us a vibrant neighborhood community! Yes, economic growth in PPt’s business/shopping area is “here”. By standing together to monitor development issues we can ensure that our style thrives with project designs that bring the vibe and energy of Lower 41st Ave “around the corner” (NO to Portola being a clone of Mission St or Upper 41st )
SPPt pushes back on project negatives including lack of on-site parking that will gobble on-street public parking. New or redo developments should not add stress to PPt’s infrastructure (deferred maintenance work is already overdue). Project designs should be appropriate for PPt regarding height, design, on-site parking. Other SPPt initiatives focus on increasing street safety on Portola. All highlight importance of the Portola Commercial Development Design Guidelines (study adopted 12/2018) be made permanent in the Co’s upcoming Sustainable Plan.
Add your name/email/home address to our email mailings* via info@savepleasurepoint.org or go to SPPt’s website – savepleasurepoint.org or to our Facebook page Save Pleasure Point’s Volunteer Neighbor Steering Committee members: Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Tara Gasta, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, George McCullough, Padi Romeo, Debbie Shulman, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter *to protect privacy SPPt sends its’ info emails bcc; there’s 0 dues
by spadmin | Jul 10, 2021 | Uncategorized
Flashing Crosswalk Lights are THANKS to Save Pleasure Point’s efforts. Regarding Manu’s 7/6 meeting here is a correction to “thank you’s”: the crosswalk “lights” at 32nd and 36th did not come into being easily: for over 2 years Save Pleasure Point (SPPt) repeatedly spoke and met with “Ocean St” about increasing pedestrian safety measures on Portola. After much discussion including “there are worse streets than Portola to worry about” SPPt got an agreement (October 2019) that 32nd and 36th would get these flashing crosswalk lights installed in early 2020. MORE good news is that 2 more sets are coming to other Portola crosskwalks before the end of summer 2021. Thanks are also due to former Supervisor John Leopold for his support and to DPW for spending the money to buy and install these lights and again the effort to get these lights into place is thanks to SPPt – your neighbors who speak up and speak out!
SAVE PLEASURE POINT(SPPt) Our Goal:
Protect, preserve Pleasure Point’s unique character and surroundings. We understand that economic growth in Pleasure Point’s business/shopping area is “here”. We support growing Portola by bringing the vibe and energy of Lower 41st Ave around onto it. NO to Portola becoming a clone of Mission St or Upper 41st!! New developments should not add stress to PPt’s infrastructure (much needed improvements are already needed – which we also speak out about). Project designs should be appropriate for PPt regarding height, design, on-site parking. Pleasure Point is a high traffic pedestrian area not only on Portola but for accessing the beach and the surf; PPt is an important coastal gateway that deserves on-going protection.
JOIN US to protect Pleasure Point’s vibe and lifestyle. Contact us/add your name to our supporter list (to protect privacy we send info emails bcc; SPPt does not collect dues): info@savepleasurepoint.net savepleasurepoint.org
Neighbor Volunteer Steering Committee members (alpha last name order): Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Tara Gasta, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, George McCullough, Padi Romeo, Debbie Shulman, Barbara Spencer, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter
by spadmin | Apr 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
The Live Oak Parking Permit Program (LOOP) has been shelved for 2021. The Board of Supervisors urged Public Works to meet with the Coastal Commission and return with a new proposal – a workable plan – in 6 months.
The Central Office of the Coastal Commission sent the Board a strongly worded letter opposing this permit program in general. Supervisors Ryan Connery and Zak Friend raised their own issues with the current program and suggested that rather than make fixes it was best to devise an entirely new plan = a total revamp. While Supervisor Koenig appeared to be in support of the Public Work’s project proposal he did agree on the plan being suspended for 2021; he will review new proposals with other Board members in 6 months.
Besides the Coastal Commission’s objecting to the permit program, another major reason for defeat of this project was the loudly expressed opposition by hundreds of constituents. Objections included that the proposed fee structure was too excessive ($75 per car to park in front of one’s home; 2 cars = $150 per year). Many lots are small and do not have off-street parking so the fee was deemed very unfair. Also Implementation of proposed changes to the LOPP were made too hastily and went “way over the heads” of affected renters and homeowners; the May 2021 start date was considered unreasonable.
In this 4/13 meeting new action was ratified and will begin sometime in 2021: private use of county land in front of beach neighborhood homes is going to be taken back in an effort to add more on-street parking. Currently many homeowners have landscaped this area of land making it unavailable for public parking. Of note: former Supervisor John Leopold mentioned to PPt homeowners as early as 2019 that Coastal wanted Avenue encroachments “dealt with”. It was suggested homeowners get “to be in the know” about their front yard spaces via their property “pipes” which define their “legal” property limits. These pipes – unless taken out or covered up – can be seen at surface level; they are usually “pounded” flat into the ground . It was noted that when in escrow a vital read is “one’s” preliminary report as it details property issues, property lines, ownership and parcel history.
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