The Scotts Valley Planning Commission voted unanimously to allow a 16-unit condominium project “The Encore at 4104” to move forward at its Aug. 12 meeting.
In an interview with the Press Banner, Commissioner Steve Horlock said he was pleased with the look of the 35-foot, three-story development, slated for 1.49 acres of land along Scotts Valley Drive near the Mt. Hermon Road intersection. Chris Perri of Apple Homes Development, Inc. is leading the project.
“Chris Perri does a great job,” Horlock said. “It’s a very well thought out, green, sustainable project.”
Apple Homes is the developer behind The Terrace at Scotts Valley townhomes next door to The Encore.
Its portfolio also includes Timber Ridge Lane, Sherman Court, The Ridge at Monte Fiore, Torrey Oaks and Granite Creek Estates projects.
As part of its environmental review for the 4101 Scotts Valley Drive site, the developer pledged to excavate in phases, use recycled water and spray a biodegradable chemical to reduce dust and protect the surrounding ecosystem.
W-Trans, Inc. conducted a traffic analysis April 5, predicting the development would add six morning trips during the peak 7-9am period, and seven during the evening peak 4-6pm period, and “will not cause nearby intersections or street segments to operate below their current level of service.”
The report did identify one problem with the initial plan—that an existing masonry wall would’ve restricted views of the new driveway entrance for northbound motorists. But the developer now says it plans to lower this to 3.5 feet, in order to address the issue.
An entomological habitat assessment and draft Habitat Conservation Plan was prepared by Richard Arnold in August 2020. He learned the Mt. Hermon June Beetle can be found on the property. The developer plans to purchase conservation credits from the Zayante Sandhills Preserve to improve 1.49 acres of protected habitat elsewhere.
The approval moved forward without input from former Planning Commission Chair Rosanna Herrera, who recently resigned.
