During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on a proposed land use designation amendment for Kelly's Camp, a property located on Scotts Valley Road. Patty Kelly, a long-time resident and owner, presented her case for changing the zoning from resort commercial to rural residential or rural land.

Kelly explained that the property, which had been operated as a campground until 2014, has faced numerous challenges that make its original use unviable. The campground has been closed since her husband's illness and subsequent passing, and the property has been extensively reviewed by real estate professionals who agree that its highest and best use is now residential.

The current zoning designation restricts development options, as it requires consistency with campground operations, which are no longer feasible due to factors such as floodplain regulations and the rugged terrain of the nearly 85-acre site. Kelly highlighted that much of the property lies within a floodway, making it unsuitable for traditional campground use, and noted that the area has been affected by wildfires, further complicating the potential for reopening as a campground.

Kelly's proposal aims to align the land use with the existing residential structures on the property, which she and her son currently occupy. She emphasized that the surrounding community does not support the return of the campground, preferring a transition to residential use that would be more compatible with the rural environment.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discuss the proposal and its implications for the community, as the Land Use Advisory Committee (LAPAC) considers the recommendation for the zoning change.