Scotts Valley threw its weight behind a proposal for a 100% affordable housing project for 4444 Scotts Valley Drive, at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting Sept. 4.
The developer, San Diego-based CRP Affordable Housing & Community Development, needed this early-stage sign-off in order to seek funding that would be critical to its feasibility; however, the design could change significantly prior to final renderings emerging.
It’s the first project of its kind to fall under the rules of Scotts Valley’s new Housing Element and claim State Density Bonus Law and SB 35 benefits.
Twenty-four of the 25 units in the three-story structure would be made available to people making 30-50% of area median income, with one reserved for an on-site manager.
Staff said the proposal meets density requirements targeted for the site, which was specifically identified as a place for infill development in the community’s recently-adopted homes plan.
“The item before you is a great example of how our Housing Element is supporting affordable housing in our City,” said City Manager Mali LaGoe.
The financing the builder’s going after is the Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Relief funding.
“It’s to assist communities to construct affordable housing in areas impacted by natural disasters,” said Community Development Director Taylor Bateman, who noted dollars have been allocated to Santa Cruz County to help with recovery efforts following the CZU Lightning Complex fires in 2020. “One particular thing about that program is there is a requirement that the applicant receive a letter of support for the proposed project from the local jurisdiction.”
The 25,000-square-foot building would include a leasing office, bicycle storage, laundry room, a community room and other amenities.
In addition, the developer has been working with the local housing authority’s voucher program, and is seeking other sources of funding, too.
“These projects, of course, need that to be successful,” Bateman said.
Jack Burlison, CRP’s director of development, thanked City staff for their collaborative efforts on the project to date.
“We’re focused on creating 100% affordable housing,” he said, noting there are various layouts. “We have a very healthy mix of units.”
During public comment, a business owner with a property currently located on the site expressed concerns about having to find a new place to operate.
Councilmember Derek Timm asked if locals would get move-in priority.
“Obviously it’s very expensive to live in Scotts Valley, and having housing for our workforce here is critical,” he said. “How is that established for this project?”
Burlison said that’s something that’s beyond CRP’s control.
Timm also raised questions about Cambridge Management, the company CRP is considering using for the facility, which he said didn’t have the best reputation, at least in terms of online reviews.
“Their operator in the Bay Area is mostly one-star,” Timm said. “They might want to consider who they are selecting for this. When it ends up at one star, there might be something there.”
Mayor Randy Johnson, a frequent critic of State efforts to remove local control in favor of streamlining housing construction, said he was pretty enthusiastic about this particular proposal. He said he’s been hearing from community members about the need for more affordable housing.
“‘I love the city, but I need some place to stay,’” he said they’ve been telling him.
Johnson said he hopes the project will mark the beginning of a beautiful new chapter for Scotts Valley.
“It is a start,” he said, “and I think it’s worth our support to have our city manager write this letter and send it.”
Imagine how much more housing they could fit on the property without that giant parking lot