There’s no lack of ideas for the future of Scotts Valley.
In a meeting this week and in responses to an online survey, more than 900 people contributed suggestions about the city’s future.
The continuing dialog for the city’s new General Plan moved forward this week with the release of the Envision Scotts Valley Outreach report
At a Monday meeting, about 100 participants recorded more than 250 comments on their ideas for the future: built environment, natural environment, mobility, community, and looking ahead.
In addition, 813 people responded to an online survey.
“It’s pretty amazing the amount of comments we received,” said Jenny Haruyama, city manager.
The existing General Plan was adopted 23 years ago, in 1994.
The General Plan Advisory Committee – composed of city employees, government officials and members of the public – launched the effort with a workshop last June.
Highlights of the two surveys include:
• The community places a high value on the small-town character of Scotts Valley and want to retain this quality of life.
• Maintaining the valley’s natural resources and visual character is a high priority for the community.
• Development of the Town Center into a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly project is a high priority.
• The pace of future development should be done carefully, with a focus on more high-quality restaurants and retail options.
• More housing choices that are also affordable.
• The expansion of pedestrian sidewalks and bike paths, as well as trails in open space, is a high priority.
• Residents frequently use city parks and are satisfied with activities and programs.
• Landscaping and building guidelines were recommended for Mt. Hermon Road and Scotts Valley Drive.
A Town Center project – dealt a serious setback earlier this summer when the primary developer abandoned the effort – is of prime importance to residents.
“Please do something with the Town Center property to mitigate the eyesore it creates,” answered one respondent.
Another resident wrote, “Make downtown center walking/bike friendly. No driving in the middle of it. Park outside of it. Please don’t mess this up.”
A 2008 Town Center plan proposed 180,000 square feet of retail space and 250 residential units on a 15-acre site on Mount Hermon Road.
Respondents also weighed in on the number of hotels being built.
“”I don’t think more hotels is the right (kind of) growth for our city.”
The next public advisory committee meeting will take place in late October.
For complete copy of the Envision Scotts Valley Outreach report go to http://www.scottsvalleygeneralplan.com/Links/04_Envision_Scotts_Valley_Community_Outreach_Report.pdf
