by spadmin | Sep 18, 2024 | Uncategorized
SAVE PLEASURE POINT (SPPt) – Fall 2024 UPDATE
Save Pleasure Point’s goal is to protect, preserve, and build on PPt’s
unique character and surroundings: we focus on the Portola Dr Commercial
Corridor (projects should reflect, compliment Lower 41 st ’s charm and
neighborly qualities) and on resolving infrastructure concerns affecting our
neighborhood’s well-being!!
SPPt is “ YOU – US”! Join us! Our county’s leadership knows that when
SSPt sends out an “issue alert” PPt neighbors mobilize! Sticking together
we can ensure Pleasure Point grows while keeping our vibe and laid-back
charm intact.
Get PPt development information, read our correspondence and learn
news at savepleasurepoint.org; read our posts to Nextdoor; view our
Facebook page: savepleasurepoint and get email updates.
SEPTEMBER 2024: PORTOLA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND LOWER
41 ST AVENUE UPDATE:
New shop isn’t yet finished: OPAL CLIFFS MOTORS at Portola &
41st was approved for conversion to a retail clothing store; a new
application is in process to expand the vacant “Cliff Café“ into this
space plus add an outdoor area. An application – permit sign will
soon be going up.
The PROPOSED MINI HOTEL on Lower 41st between Canton and
the old Chill Out building still needs a building permit. They have 3
years to obtain it so it could be a while before any action starts to take
place.
PLEASURE POINT PLAZA is a permitted 33-unit project with approx.
7,000 feet retail space (currently the Storage yard across from
SUDA).. The developer (Abbas H) now prefers adding additional
residential units and decreasing the commercial floor area; however,
these changes require going back to the Planning Commission and
Board for approval. We hear he may now reconfigure the residential
units (no increase to the 33 units or bedrooms) by decreasing the
commercial floor area within the approved structure. There would be
no major changes to the exterior of the structure (SPPT suggested
upgrades to many aspects of the design; Abbas accepted them). If a
Minor Variation is approved, Abbas would not need a new public
hearing but h would still need a building permit so it will be a while
before any groundbreaking takes place.
THE LUMBERYARD site at 38 th & Portola hasn’t sold. The owners,
the Pietro family, withdrew their application for an Amendment to the
Lumberyard permit (8 condo units and a large 1 st floor retail footprint
ok’d under Norhtpoint’s ownership). The Pietro’s may now be
considering a revised project with more housing units with a small
amount of retail space. No plans have been submitted.
Some months ago, Steven Gabay had some interest in getting a beer
garden permit for his VACANT LOT NEXT TO HIS BACK IN SHAPE
OFFICE BUILDING; it appears this idea has been dropped. His
original idea for this lot was a mixed-use building; perhaps this
concept will be pursued. Nothing has been submitted.
The old ED’S AUTO building at 38 th has been re-painted; at this
current time there are no plans for this site being remodeled, etc.
“PORTOLA 8”: 8 out of 9 parcels between 37 th and 30 th were
upzoned in 2023 (higher density allowances). The County is again
upzoning more parcels along various transportation corridors; SPPt
has asked zoning it there are any plans to upzone more parcels on
Portola: they have yet to responded to this ask.
STATE LEGISLATION says that on-site parking is not “so
necessary”! We continue to push back: a private developer’s tenants
or clients should not be allowed to usurp PPt’s limited on-street public
parking essential for locals and visitors to enjoy Lower 41 st ’s shops,
boutiques plus easy coastal access!
We hope you are using the FLASHING BEACON LIGHTS at the 26 th ,
32 nd & 36 th Ave – Portola crosswalks! SPPt advocated ”hard” for their
installation. A flashing beacon is now installed at the Moran
Lake/Beach crosswalk.
A memorandum: “SAFETY, MAINTENANCE, BEAUTIFICATION
NEEDS AND SUGGESTIONS RE: PPT”; it will soon be posted to
our web page. Send us your concerns! savepleasurepoint.org
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
owners and business owners)
by spadmin | May 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
Our goal is to grow our “village’s” style and vibe. To protect, preserve, and build on PPt’s unique character and surroundings along the Portola Dr Commercial Corridor and resolve infra-structure concerns affecting our neighborhood!!
SPPt is “YOU – US”! Stay in the know add your name and email to savepleasurepoint.org. We pass PPt development information and news via Nextdoor posts; our website: savepleasurepoint.org; Facebook: savepleasurepoint, posters and emails.
SPPt is not anti-growth AND we support the critical need for housing. The County’s new Sustainable Plan and Housing Element has been ok’d so it is likely new applications and permits will be again be getting issued for housing and mixed-use projects on Portola Dr. SPPt’s organizing efforts with your participation generated Portola’s Commercial Corridor’s Design Guidelines: new and re-do projects on Portola are to reflect, complement Lower 41st’s boutique charm and character, our coastal path and surf areas. Let’s make sure these guidelines stay adhered to!
Here’s a May 2024 Portola Dr. update:
– The Pietro’s have withdrawn their application for an Amendment to their Lumberyard project (38th & Portola). As a result, the original permit initially issued in 2016 to Northpoint, the original owners of the parcel with extensions by the Pietro’s is now officially void. They are still trying to sell the parcel and feel a new buyer will have their own ideas for a project on the parcel.
– Abbas H has submitted an application to extend his application for his Pleasure Point Plaza project (across from SUDA). His extension may be approved by early December. Under the new Sustainability Plan and Housing Element and use of diversity bonuses he might ask to increase the project’s number of units (currently permitted is 33 + retail space) – stay tuned!
– Back in Shape is considering a beer garden for the vacant portion of their property. Last year’s beer garden events held there were successful – enjoyed.
– The old Opal Cliff’s auto shop at 41st & Portola is on its way to being finished – it will be a retail clothing store. Next door -the now closed East Cliff Café – remains closed.
– At the former Chill-Out next to Penny Ice Cream there’s a change of use permit with an addition/remodel for a Mad Yolks (deli/sandwich shop).
– Vacant lot next to Canton: a small hotel is planned; the developers have met with the neighbors concerned about inadequate on-site parking that will force more cars in front of their homes; they are also concerned about hotel lighting beaming into their yards.
– The old Ed’s Auto building at 38th & Portola is going to be re-painted; which new color is close to getting a decision.
Via new legislation, the State now says that on-site parking is not “so necessary”! We will continue to push back: we feel a developer’s private project (tenants or businesses) should not make PPt’ limited on-street public parking needed by locals and visitors worse!
We hope you are using the flashing beacon lights at the 26th, 32nd & 36th Ave – Portola crosswalks; SPPt worked hard to convince the County to install them: using them confirms our advocacy was on target.!!!
Issues we’re currently working on include.
– Improving the Moran Lake/Beach area. Our SPPt committee member Vanessa Young led the effort to get the new flashing beacon at Moran’s crosswalk installed
– Speeding in the Avenues: too many drivers are breezing through stop signs ignoring “slow your roll.”
– Our efforts got big trucks off 36th at Cat & Cloud; recently trucks began dropping shipments on 38th blocking traffic – pedestrian safety issues. Sadly, the County has ok’d certain hours to use our residential streets as truck routes; SPPt disagreed in 2018 and are doing so again.
– Send us your concerns!
SPPt’s style is friendly yet firm. Former Supervisor Leopold and current Supervisor Koenig know that when SSPt sends out an “issue alert” PPt neighbors mobilize to share their say! Join us to keep this momentum going!
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 owners and business owners)
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 | Sep 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
0923 event SPPT
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!
[email protected]; 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 | Oct 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
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