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.
by spadmin | Mar 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
Dept. of Public Works’ – Live Oak Parking Plan project – is currently scheduled for the Bd of Supervisor’s April 13 agenda. Below see the email addresses of County decision makers having both big and/or small input on this project being approved.
A survey asking for resident opinions was posted on Nextdoor as well as posted during Manu’s 2 Zoom meetings. Survey or not – it’s important to voice your opinion “yay – I like it” or “nay including drop it”. See Nextdoor posts in PPt, Blacks Beach, NOpal Cliffs and Twin Lakes neighborhoods – search: live oak permit parking. Also contact Manu’s office and or Dept Public Works for updates.
Short overview of issues discussed: This proposed project expands the streets required to have permit parking in our beach neighborhoods PLUS raises parking costs: residents $75 per permit per car to park on street; visitors per car: 2hrs free then $2hr. Only payment allowed will be by mobile app vs. keeping kiosks which a non-tech or all cash person may want to use.
Per looking at the current program’s failures (in the red, weak enforcement), budget increases proposed in the new plan plus coastal equity issues raises questions in the views of many as to this program’s usefulness and how the proposed program is designed; implementation is scheduled for 5/1/2021.
SUGGESTION > KEEP THIS EMAIL LIST
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR (CEO)
carlos.palacios@santacruzcounty.us
SUPERVISORS:
“Ours”: manu.koenig@santacruzcounty.us
ryan.coonerty@santacruzcounty.us
zach.friend@santacruzcounty.us
greg.caput@santacruzcounty.us
bruce.mcpherson@santacruzcounty.us
PLANNING COMMISSION
director: kathy.molloy@santacruzcounty.us
assist dir: paia.levine@santacruzcounty.us
senior planner: jocelyn.drake@santacruzcounty.us
PUBLIC WORKS
Director: matt.machado@santacruzcounty.us
Assist dir: steve.wiesner@santacruzcounty.us
COASTAL COMMISSION
Central coast planner (our district): rainey.graeven@coastal.ca.gov
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
1st District: Tim Gordin (Vice-Chair) tim@workbenchbuilt.com, Lisa Sheridan (alternate) trotrider@aol.com
2nd District: Melanie Shaffer Freitas melanief1@aol.com, Jay Tufano (alternate) jatufano@gmail.com
3rd District: Rachel Dann Rachel.Dann@santacruzcounty.us, Denise Holbert (alternate) deniseholbert@comcast.net
4th District: Judith Lazenby (Chair) judilazenby@aol.com, Louis Tuosto (alternate) ljtuosto@aol.com
5th District: Renee Shepherd renee@reneesgarden.com, Rick Jones (alternate) coastcounties@sbcglobal.net
by spadmin | Mar 17, 2021 | Uncategorized
Dear Manu
SPPt is a big advocate for safety improvements on Portola Drive from 26th to 41st Avenue (reduced speed and improved pedestrian safety). Portola has 9 feeder streets with 30-plus driveways on to it. Its last real “re-do” was 15-20 years ago. In 2021 15,000+ cars use it daily, its speed limit is ignored, it has steady morning to night pedestrian foot traffic. While campaigning we imagine you also heard worries about Portola.
Per SPPt’s urging, DFW installed flashing lights at the 32nd and 36th Avenue crosswalks. These installations are MUCH appreciated; they are often in use. DPW’s Pleasure Point Commercial Area/Portola Drive Streetscape Project (complete street re-do) will make major improvements on this street, however, its start date is unknown.
Since the pandemic PPt. has on-going increases in car and foot traffic – masks, social distancing and/or not. Recent chatter about the 41st/Portola intersection includes
We need a better solution to the intersection of 41st and Portola. Would flashing pedestrian lights work? It’s really hard to use it in a vehicle or on foot. Round about?
Yes ! They have flashing crossing signs in Jackson Hole, WY… telling the pedestrians when they can cross.. it protects them and the drivers from accidents… good quick fix until area is redesigned
I agree!! We need help with this intersection desperately. Way too busy for pedestrian and drivers alike. People ignore the stop sign “rules” and it can become an aggressive free for all to see who gets through first! My 17 year old daughter is learning to drive and has a panic attack when she has to go through there.
Generally the people heading south on 41st do not stop, or barely stop at the stop sign, to turn right onto Portola. Car after car just turns right from 41st with barely a brake tap and often no brake tap just a roll through. It would be awesome to plant CHP there for a day, as I believe it’s their jurisdiction
Flashing lights like at 36th would be great
Flashers can’t stay on too long: drivers would get upset having to wait with no one in the intersection
A crossing guard! Half in jest, but it would be cheap and only needed prime times
I use this crosswalk twice a day. As much as I hate to admit it, it might be time for a flashing crosswalk lights. Round abouts wouldn’t help pedestrians
As for the right turn from 41st onto Portola, the right turn lane is so abbreviated and invasive of the bike lane because of the parking allowed on 41st all the way up to the intersection. Riding a bike through there is frightening!
Capitola – at crosswalks – uses solar powered flashing red light rings attached to stop signs that alert drivers a stop is ahead so pedestrians cross safely; Capitola also puts hard to miss 3ft tall neon signs – “watch for pedestrians” – in their crosswalks
Summer will bring more traffic into PPt.; as such, your help/action getting some safety improvements in place for 41st/Portola would be appreciated by many! We look forward to your response.
by spadmin | Jan 6, 2021 | Uncategorized
Winter Update – PORTOLA DRIVE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
PORTOLA DRIVE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT Some vacant spaces on Lower 41st are filling up including a new bookstore: Two Birds Books (in the small commercial bldg. to R of David Adams). Crosswalk lights at 32nd and 36th Avenue are regularly “flashing” allowing pedestrians, dogs, people with disabilities etc. to cross Portola more safety: SPPt’s on-going advocacy getting these lights installed was successful!!
HEADS UP – Special Attention: Prompted by SPPt’s vocal advocacy regarding development resulted in 3 community meetings attended by 400+ residents generated the Pleasure Point Commercial Corridor Study and Guiding Principles and the Portola Streetscape Concepts approved by the Bd of Sups in 12/2018. Planning views them a study and reference document. Planning relays to carry the full weight of other policies and regulations, they will incorporate the Vision and Guiding Design Principles into SCCo. Code, General Plan, and the new Co.-wide Design Guidelines, with special design guidance for the Pleasure Point Commercial Corridor: all substantive content as policies, regulations and design guidelines will be included.
Final action is planned for early 2021. SPPt will review the document for special design guidance for the Pleasure Point Commercial Corridor. If the “final” omits design points to protect our local vibe and culture while growing commercial development on Portola to compliment Lower 41st Avenue’s shops, etc. we will ask for your email action to Planning and the Board of Supervisors. NO to Portola becoming a Mission St or Upper 41st Avenue!!
PORTOLA COMMERCIAL PARCELS in POSSIBLE FLUX
Opal Cliffs Motors – Cliff Café Bldg. – 03206113 owned by Rickard Novak (Boardroom) the manager for this project is finishing up a few details and will be submitting a permit application very soon. Like SPPt, the Novak family supports saving PPt; we’re also in sync on the fact that yes, growth is going to happen so we all just need to make sure it’s done appropriately for the area and to keep people in business. It’s good news Cliff Cafe is “safe”; it may also get a nice new patio.
Pleasure Point Plaza App: 181263 (Abbas) This mixed-use project (33 rentals w/4 low income) is permitted yet financing is not resolved per banks not wanting to risk loaning for retail space. Abbas met with Planning to ask about modifying the project = reduce the commercial floor area, add more units; however, under code he can’t increase rental units unless the project is 100% affordable.
The Lumberyard – 3800 Portola Permit expires 2/11. As of 12/16 there was no request for an extension or new application. However, there are preliminary plans for a revised project. The land division (2 lots) would be dropped; all units would be rentals (not condos as in the original permit) with no commercial space. If revised, elimination of the garages plus decreases commercial adds more on-site parking. SPPt’s big argument has been on the lack of on-site parking as the original mixed-use plan was 30+ short for on-site parking; overflow would “gobble” 38th Ave’s on-street public parking spaces.
032-051-22 – Back in Shape Chiropractic a tentative mixed-use project (14 rentals) appears at a standstill
032-051–21- 000 = Formerly ED’s 3801 38th/Portola any interior remodel to offices is an over the counter change of occupancy permit. No public process would happen unless the site has demo and reconstruction.
change of occupancy permit. No public process would happen unless the site has demo and reconstruction.
032-082-39 old car lot next to C&C – no permit application activity
POST
From Save Pleasure Point (SPPt) savepleasurepoint.org note: new neighbors > see “Who We Are” – 2021 PORTOLA DRIVE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT Some vacant spaces on Lower 41st are filling up including a new bookstore: Two Birds Books (in the small commercial bldg. to R of David Adams). Crosswalk lights at 32nd and 36th Avenue are regularly “flashing” allowing pedestrians, dogs, people with disabilities etc. to cross Portola more safety: SPPt’s on-going advocacy getting these lights installed was successful!!
HEADS UP – Special Attention: Prompted by SPPt’s vocal advocacy regarding development resulted in 3 community meetings attended by 400+ residents generated the Pleasure Point Commercial Corridor Study and Guiding Principles and the Portola Streetscape Concepts approved by the Bd of Sups in 12/2018. Planning views them a study and reference Planning relays to carry the full weight of other policies and regulations, they will incorporate the Vision and Guiding Design Principles into SCCo. Code, General Plan, and the new Co.-wide Design Guidelines, with special design guidance for the Pleasure Point Commercial Corridor: all substantive content as policies, regulations and design guidelines will be included. Final action is planned for early 2021. SPPt will review the document for special design guidance for the Pleasure Point Commercial Corridor. If the “final” omits design points to protect our local vibe and culture while growing commercial development on Portola to compliment Lower 41st Avenue’s shops, etc. we will ask for your email action to Planning and the Board of Supervisors. NO to Portola becoming a Mission St or Upper 41st Avenue!!
PORTOLA COMMERCIAL PARCELS in POSSIBLE FLUX
Opal Cliffs Motors – Cliff Café Bldg. – 03206113 –; per sale: new permit application yet on file
Pleasure Point Plaza App: 181263 (Abbas) This mixed-use project (33 rentals w/4 low income) is permitted yet financing is not resolved per banks not wanting to risk loaning for retail space. Abbas met with Planning to ask about modifying the project = reduce the commercial floor area, add more units; however, under code he can’t increase rental units unless the project is 100% affordable.
The Lumberyard – 3800 Portola Permit expires 2/11. As of 12/16 there was no request for an extension or new application. However, there are preliminary plans for a revised project. The land division (2 lots) would be dropped; all units would be rentals (not condos as in the original permit) with no commercial space. If revised, elimination of the garages plus decreases commercial adds more on-site parking. SPPt’s big argument has been on the lack of on-site parking as the original mixed-use plan was 30+ short for on-site parking; overflow would “gobble” 38th Ave’s on-street public parking spaces.
032-051-22 – Back in Shape Chiropractic a tentative mixed-use project (14 rentals) appears at a standstill
032-051–21- 000 = Formerly ED’s 3801 38th/Portola any interior remodel to offices is an over the counter change of occupancy permit. No public process would happen unless the site has demo and reconstruction. change of occupancy permit. No public process would happen unless the site has demo and reconstruction.
032-082-39 old car lot next to C&C – no permit application activity
by spadmin | Oct 31, 2020 | Uncategorized
- No project application activity happening; the Black Lives Matter Mural on their fence is beautiful!
by spadmin | Oct 31, 2020 | Uncategorized
- This parcel had been tied into The Lumberyard package/parcels – got sold off a few months back.
- Depending on future use ideas the new owner may only need a simple administrative sign off (converting an existing nonconforming use (automobile repair) to something less intense is allowed in our zone district.
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