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UID:Indybay-18853692
SEQUENCE:19017203
CREATED:20230106T071000Z
DESCRIPTION:Revisions to the Downtown Expansion Plan will be before the Santa Cruz City 
 Council on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Mayor Fred Keeley and Councilmember 
 Scott Newsome have proposed capping building heights at 12-stories in the 
 project area and requiring 20% of the total housing units in projects be 
 affordable. Their proposed revisions include the following:\n\n1) A policy 
 that sets the maximum number of stories at 12, inclusive of density bonus 
 (a state mandate that allows for development to exceed local regulations 
 such as the maximum number of residential units, maximum building heights, 
 and minimum setbacks);\n2) A requirement that 20% of the total units be 
 affordable. The City’s current requirement for affordable units that are 
 included within new residential development projects (called the 
 “inclusionary” requirements) calls for 20% of the units in a project to 
 be affordable, but under state law, as discussed below in more detail, the 
 affordability requirement does not apply to additional units that a 
 developer receives pursuant to the state density bonus; and\n3) A maximum 
 total of 1,600 residential units, inclusive of density bonus. 
 \n\nBackground\n\nThe Downtown Plan Expansion project was initiated to 
 address options for creating new housing, civic spaces, connections to the 
 river and the beach area, transportation and mobility options, and a 
 permanent arena for the Santa Cruz Warriors, as well as urban design 
 priorities for new development and public spaces in the area south of 
 Laurel Street in Santa Cruz.\n\nAt their June 14, 2022 meeting, the Santa 
 Cruz City Council selected a preferred development scenario for the area 
 (see photos), directing staff to prepare an Environmental Impact Report 
 (EIR) analyzing the potential for environmental impacts of the Downtown 
 Plan Expansion, and to study the following features as part of the 
 project:\n\n* A minimum of 1600 housing units;\n* Maximum heights not to 
 exceed one taller building of 175 feet (approximately 17-stories) and three 
 additional building components not to exceed 150 feet (approximately 
 15-stories), with each height being inclusive of anticipated height 
 increases associated with a 50% density bonus and with the taller building 
 elements comprising only a portion of shorter podium building forms;\n* An 
 option for auto circulation including the permanent closure of Spruce 
 Street east of Pacific Avenue;\n* The creation of new civic space in the 
 closed Spruce Street right of way;\n* Enhanced pedestrian connections 
 between the Downtown and the beach;\n* Options for the location of a 
 permanent arena facility for the Santa Cruz Warriors, with a preferred 
 location being on the south side of Spruce Street between Pacific Avenue 
 and Front Street.\n\nThe Downtown Plan Expansion project is #24 on the 
 January 10, 2023 Santa Cruz City Council meeting 
 agenda:\nhttps://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2018&doctype=1\n\nMore 
 Information:\n\nDowntown Plan Expansion at Santa Cruz City Council (June 
 14, 
 2022)\nhttps://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2022/06/12/18850417.php\n\n\nDowntown 
 Plan Expansion Page on the City's 
 Website:\nhttps://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/planning-and-community-development/long-range-policy-planning/ordinance-policy-updates/downtown-plan-expansion\n\n 
 https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2023/01/05/18853692.php
SUMMARY:Revisions to Downtown Expansion Plan at Santa Cruz City Council
LOCATION:Attend meeting in person: Council Chambers, 809 Center Street, Santa 
 Cruz\n\nThe Downtown Plan Expansion project is #30 on the City Council 
 meeting agenda, and will be heard sometime after 5 PM, following oral 
 communications. See meeting agenda for information on participating 
 virtually/phoning 
 in:\nhttps://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=2018&doctype=1
URL:https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2023/01/05/18853692.php
DTSTART:20230111T010000Z
DTEND:20230111T040000Z
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