[{"_1":2,"_86":-5,"_87":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6574090,"mediaKeyId","3115382-47b9414256ebdf2df2e6c29aa14eef67","parentId",3115382,"title","Planning Commission approves consent items including Leonard Street land‑use correction and Delaware Avenue homeless-garden project","audioSeconds",1767,"startMs",85000,"endMs",1852000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115382-47b9414256ebdf2df2e6c29aa14eef67&start=85&end=1852","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115382-47b9414256ebdf2df2e6c29aa14eef67/thumbnail_85000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6574090/Santa-Cruz-County/California/Planning-Commission-approves-consent-items-including-Leonard-Street-landuse-correction-and-Delaware-Avenue-homeless-garden-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574090-3f308f9db8ad50519abff3e4c426e45d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770960340&Signature=LW5XERRnpnk4XnrwuDfHh2JfZbnu~EhhXdv51J67Ao5NzLghaHIE9IsKXv53aHMTCpP6uPS-xp-w-NvsSU9AAXwVZ367pxkyg1MdmIn~ljFXIY2JMMiR4qzR7PnY1Hm3baNm0pgs3eayhcao5YV2y-r7AlTvvBAVcg2PthGCOJOs-KcSxE6wXzabjH-~yNuIdLJQDaP2ufmsMgT-hpaMgTQwc0cikS6nT0yNGVayoeXuNnbrFijivSaBU4IhXbVrmSzbe-2N5-lzeSEDNf~wzi7Yd0cqWaIlN6l-Ig4dNk0mfpYU9GvHktYigIMVaqktc1q8NC9Ddq8ZnLuVa~XllA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-25T00:28:47.59Z","article","The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission on April 17 approved its consent agenda, including an amendment to the General Plan land-use map for 111–119 Leonard Street and actions tied to 2394 Delaware Avenue (the Homeless Garden Project). The motion passed on a 5‑1 roll call.

Lede

Commissioner Kennedy moved approval of the consent agenda; the motion carried after roll call (Commissioner Dan voted no; Commissioners Gordon, Kelly, Kennedy, McKelvey and Chair Paul Hammis voted yes). Commissioner Gordon verbally recused herself from the downtown item later in the evening because of a property ownership conflict in the downtown expansion area.

Nut graf

The two consent items included: a city‑initiated correction to land‑use for 111–119 Leonard Street (changing the designation from mixed‑use visitor commercial to low‑medium residential per prior City Council direction) and a staff‑recommended action related to 2394 Delaware Avenue that includes the Homeless Garden Project and related General Plan/LCP clarifications. Members of the public — particularly residents of De Anza Mobile Home Park — used the public comment period to press concerns about traffic, evacuation safety, ecological impacts around Antonelli’s Pond and possible displacement from nearby development.

Highlights from public comment

- A Central Park neighborhood representative urged approval of the Leonard Street amendment, noting prior council direction and saying the change “preserves the original residential zoning.” The speaker thanked planning staff for their collaboration.
- Several De Anza Mobile Home Park residents voiced opposition to upzoning near Delaware Avenue. Residents said shoreline ponds and the Antonelli’s Pond area are environmentally sensitive, described a single-egress evacuation constraint on De Anza/Delaware, and asked the commission to prioritize current residents’ safety and quality of life before approving added density.
- Jillian Greenside requested more transparency about “no net loss” claims in the staff report and raised questions about whether upzoning elsewhere (downtown) was being used to compensate for changes at the Delaware site.

Staff and commission response

Staff noted the Leonard Street amendment implements a prior council direction to correct a mapping error and that, per staff and prior council actions, density was planned to be relocated to downtown. Planning staff said the referenced “no net loss” language follows state requirements and the city’s approach to transferring planned capacity. Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about the process and about whether the Delaware items were related to the larger downtown plan work before the commission that evening.

Formal action

- Motion: approve the consent agenda (items: 111–119 Leonard Street; 2394 Delaware Avenue). Moved by Commissioner Kennedy; seconded (with a friendly amendment request that the items be heard separately at council). The friendly amendment to require separate council public hearings was not accepted; the final motion carried. Roll call: Commissioner Dan — No; Commissioner Gordon — Yes; Commissioner Kelly — Yes; Commissioner Kennedy — Yes; Commissioner McKelvey — Yes; Chair Paul Hammis — Yes. Outcome: approved (5‑1).

Context and follow-up

The Leonard Street amendment corrects a land-use designation that neighborhood residents and prior council direction identified as an error. The Delaware Avenue item prompted sustained public comment because it is adjacent to mobile-home residents and natural areas; residents raised evacuation and ecological concerns. Staff indicated additional public hearings and council review would follow as the matter proceeds.

Ending

Both consent items move to the City Council as part of the regular legislative process. Commissioners said they would leave broader policy debates about coastal certification, downtown density and large-scale rezonings to the separate downtown item scheduled next on the agenda.

Speakers (selected)

- Central Park neighborhood representative (unnamed in transcript; public commenter)
- Jillian Greenside (public commenter)
- Rene Curry (public commenter)
- Margaret Gannon (De Anza Mobile Home Park president; public commenter)
- Dave Allenbaugh (De Anza resident; public commenter)
- Tom Scully (public commenter)

Authorities

[{\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"City of Santa Cruz General Plan (land-use map)\",\"citation\":\"General Plan\",\"referenced_by\":[\"Leonard Street item\"]},{\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"Local Coastal Program (LCP)\",\"citation\":\"LCP\",\"referenced_by\":[\"Delaware Avenue discussion\"]}]

Actions

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{\"agenda_item_id\":\"consent_111-119_2394_delaware\",\"project_slug\":\"consent-agenda-apr17\"},\"motion\":\"Approve consent agenda items including land-use amendment for 111–119 Leonard Street and items related to 2394 Delaware Avenue (Homeless Garden Project)\",\"mover\":\"Commissioner Kennedy\",\"second\":\"Commissioner Kelly (initial); final second accepted\",\"vote_record\":[{\"member\":\"Commissioner Dan\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"at-large\",\"vote\":\"no\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Gordon\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"at-large\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Kelly\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"at-large\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Kennedy\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"at-large\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner McKelvey\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"at-large\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Chair Paul Hammis\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"chair\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}],\"tally\":{\"yes\":5,\"no\":1,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Friendly amendment to require separate council hearing was proposed but not accepted.\"}

Discussion vs decision

- Discussion: public concerns about evacuation, ecological impacts, and transparency regarding “no net loss” claims tied to state rules.
- Decision: consent agenda items approved; items to proceed to City Council.

Clarifying details

[{\"category\":\"consent_items\",\"detail\":\"111–119 Leonard Street land-use amendment (MXVC to LM)\",\"value\":\"not specified\",\"units\":\"\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Central Park neighborhood representative\"},{\"category\":\"public_concern\",\"detail\":\"De Anza Mobile Home Park residents raised wildfire evacuation and traffic concerns related to Delaware Avenue upzoning\",\"source_speaker\":\"De Anza residents\"}]

Proper names

[{\"name\":\"111–119 Leonard Street\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"2394 Delaware Avenue\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"De Anza Mobile Home Park\",\"type\":\"facility\"}]

Community relevance

{\"geographies\":[\"Lower West Side\",\"Antonelli's Pond\",\"De Anza Mobile Home Park\"],\"funding_sources\":[],\"impact_groups\":[\"mobile-home residents\",\"nearby homeowners\",\"beach/river access users\"]}

Meeting context

{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":12,\"duration_minutes\":90,\"items_count\":2},\"implementation_risk\":\"low\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2024-11-15\",\"note\":\"Council previously directed correction for Leonard Street mapping error\"}]}

Searchable tags

[\"Leonard-Street\",\"Delaware-Ave\",\"Homeless-Garden\",\"consent-agenda\"]

Provenance

{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"block_85.39\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":80,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So we'll open the public hearing. Tonight, there are 2 items on our consent agenda. The first is 111 To 119 Leonard Street. The second is 2394 Delaware Avenue.\",\"global_start\":85,\"global_end\":165,\"tc_start\":\"00:01:25\",\"tc_end\":\"00:02:45\",\"text_sha256\":\"e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb924\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_1832.43\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":40,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Okay. So that is our consent agenda.\",\"global_start\":1832,\"global_end\":1857,\"tc_start\":\"00:30:32\",\"tc_end\":\"00:30:52\",\"text_sha256\":\"e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb924\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}

Salience

{\"overall\":0.45,\"overall_justification\":\"Local neighborhood changes with concentrated local impact; higher public interest from adjacent residents.\",\"impact_scope\":\"local\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Affects immediate neighborhoods near Leonard Street and Delaware Avenue.\",\"attention_level\":\"medium\",\"attention_level_justification\":\"Multiple residents testified; item approved on consent.\",\"novelty\":0.2,\"novelty_justification\":\"Routine consent corrections, though Delaware sparked public concern.\"}

Engagement forecast

{\"newsworthiness\":{\"national\":0.01,\"regional\":0.05,\"local\":0.6,\"justification\":\"Primarily local interest; potential follow-up at council.\"},\"notify_recommendation\":{\"audience\":\"neighborhood\",\"reason\":\"Notify neighborhood associations and De Anza Mobile Home Park; provide council hearing dates.\"},\"predicted_interest\":{\"national\":0.01,\"regional\":0.05,\"local\":0.6,\"justification\":\"Concern from adjacent residents and stakeholders.\"},\"predicted_click_through\":0.15,\"predicted_read_time_minutes\":2,\"predicted_shares\":15},\"graph_signals\":{\"jurisdictions\":[\"US-CA-SC\"],\"ontology_topics\":[\"land-use\",\"neighborhoods\"],\"entities\":[{\"id\":\"deanza-mhp\",\"name\":\"De Anza Mobile Home Park\",\"type\":\"facility\"}],\"events\":[]}],","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Santa Cruz City Planning 04/17/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission voted to approve two consent items: a correction to the General Plan land‑use designation for 111–119 Leonard Street and staff recommendations related to 2394 Delaware Avenue (the Homeless Garden Project).","taxTitle","Santa Cruz County, California","taxId",4172,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6574095,"Santa Cruz Planning Commission backs downtown plan expansion, narrows local density-bonus option",8753,1832000,10585000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115382-47b9414256ebdf2df2e6c29aa14eef67&start=1832&end=10585","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115382-47b9414256ebdf2df2e6c29aa14eef67/thumbnail_1832000.jpg","/articles/6574095/Santa-Cruz-County/California/Santa-Cruz-Planning-Commission-backs-downtown-plan-expansion-narrows-local-density-bonus-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574095-afa1ce063318c4e41941e069a195980e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770960340&Signature=g3TjGWhaUCWEt2H1TBgMNdHUV0LDHvOGkjoCq31IoL395-jSB33HiTFp~PVrWjXa4CYJ33t6QmqH54z9b-F1e3zNiJzaK2DMgaFM6uTWVd4URbXjUSsrxmASg0oM-vNwQCIwyH-wHAlPrZTzUHLLcPa~ZYXPddhIqN31f-Ry16bWy7Nzx7rKrpHqu2Gn~BNV1KVLDmk9GZJh-ax409q6f-Qt1NYx0OUuAnbcU7IJAsFPjyeptbSGuhkN0GSGlz54b42RjUA27O8WRPhJADdjmtdIQrbVEBV-7tiHyuc74JIKx5KQEkF9iClq6FkFcnL8sSAUB~qQUZY34joOKJXAnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning Commission Chair Paul Hammis and a 4-1 majority on Thursday recommended that the City Council certify the Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) and adopt a package of amendments to the Downtown Plan, the city general plan, the Local Coastal Program and local zoning that would add the South-of-Laurel area into the Downtown Plan and create a local “downtown density bonus” program.

The commission’s vote follows a multi-year staff process and a final SEIR posted in mid‑April. Commissioners approved staff’s recommendation with two amendments: added language on pedestrian, bicycle and transit enhancements and an explicit encouragement for developers to consider local-hire and apprenticeship strategies. Commissioner Dan voted no; Commissioners Kelly, Kennedy and McKelvey and Chair Hammis voted yes. Commissioner Gordon was recused for this item.

Why it matters

The package would expand the Downtown Plan boundary by roughly 29 acres south of Laurel Street, change allowed floor‑area intensity on a small number of parcels and create a locally administered downtown density-bonus mechanism intended to produce more affordable housing than the state density-bonus alternatives while keeping height limits and design review levers for the city. Staff told the commission the mix of changes is designed to increase housing capacity near jobs and transit and to promote public-realm improvements connecting downtown to the river and beach.

What staff told the commission

Lee Butler, director of Planning and Community Development, said the city had received about 1,500 pieces of public feedback while drafting the plan and that the final SEIR did not identify new significant impacts that would require recirculation. Butler said staff designed the downtown density-bonus to be more competitive than the state density-bonus options and to “limit building heights and provide more affordable housing.” Sarah Noisy, senior planner, and consultant Bill Wiseman presented the project concept, which centers on four redevelopment blocks, a new Spruce Street plaza, improved riverfront connections, and an arena site option on Block C or D.

Staff noted the downtown density-bonus includes multiple developer pathways: on-site affordable units, off-site units in the downtown/coastal zone, and an in‑lieu fee. They also proposed an additional land‑dedication option staff would refine before the council hearing to respond to financing timing risks for deeply subsidized affordable projects.

Public comment

More than 30 members of the public spoke during the two‑hour comment period. Critics, including Frank Barron of Santa Cruzans for Responsible Development, urged the commission not to expand local height limits and warned that state law (the recent high-percentage density‑bonus statute discussed in the hearing) could allow much taller projects than the city intends. Barron said, “Don’t give away our local control.”

Other speakers urged more time to review the final SEIR and asked the city to address traffic, fire‑safety egress, water supply and displacement risks for existing low‑income and supportive housing. Several commenters, including representatives of the NorCal Carpenters Union, asked the commission and staff to add language encouraging local hiring, apprenticeship pathways and prevailing wages on downtown projects.

How the downtown density-bonus works (as presented)

- Floor area ratio (FAR) remains the primary control on building volume; the plan keeps a 3.5 FAR for most of the South‑of‑Laurel area but raises capacity on six parcels identified by staff.
- Staff proposed a local downtown density-bonus designed to be more attractive than state density-bonus options while retaining some local design review. Under staff’s structure, projects that remain below specified height thresholds (85 feet / roughly eight stories) would be eligible for relatively large FAR bonuses combined with a 20% affordable unit target of the gross unit total; higher height options would be allowed under a tighter bonus cap.
- The downtown density-bonus includes on‑site and off‑site affordable production and an in‑lieu fee. Staff proposed considering a land‑dedication option as an alternative pathway to create deeply subsidized affordable housing via the city or nonprofit developers.

Commission action and outcome

Commissioner Kennedy moved to adopt staff’s recommendation with a friendly amendment incorporating the transportation/pedestrian/bike policy language crafted with staff and a second friendly amendment adding encouragement text to promote local hiring and apprenticeship programs; Commissioner McKelvey seconded. The motion passed on a 4‑1 roll call (Kelly, Kennedy, McKelvey and Chair Hammis yes; Dan no). Commissioner Gordon was recused.

What the commission did not decide

The commission did not adopt staff’s optional drafting choice to include both “Option A” and “Option B” for the downtown density-bonus; the final recommendation forwarded to council reflects the downtown density-bonus structure endorsed in the staff report and the commission’s amendments. The council will act next on certification of the SEIR and adoption of the specific text and map amendments.

Next steps and staff follow-up

Staff said they will bring the package to the City Council in upcoming weeks and that they will refine the proposed land‑dedication option and implement the commission language around pedestrian/bike/transit enhancements and the encouraged local-hire language prior to the council hearing. The final SEIR and all plan amendment documents are posted on the city website. The commission recorded the recommendation for the council’s consideration.

Ending

The Planning Commission’s recommendation starts the formal council review process; the council hearing will determine the final land‑use maps, the downtown density-bonus ordinance text, and any accompanying implementing ordinances.

Speakers

- Lee Butler, Director, Planning and Community Development, City of Santa Cruz (staff)
- Sarah Noisy, Senior Planner, City of Santa Cruz (staff)
- Bill Wiseman, Planning Consultant (Kimley‑Horn consultant team)
- Matt Vanoit, Manager, Advanced Planning, City of Santa Cruz (staff)
- Chair Paul Hammis, Planning Commission (chair)
- Commissioner Dan (Planning Commission)
- Commissioner Kelly (Planning Commission)
- Commissioner Kennedy (Planning Commission)
- Commissioner McKelvey (Planning Commission)
- Commissioner Gordon (recused)
- Frank Barron, Santa Cruzans for Responsible Development (public commenter)
- Fred Geiger (public commenter)
- Ron Pomerantz (public commenter)
- Kersha Durham (public commenter)
- Riley (UCSC student; public commenter)
- Cesar Placentia (NorCal Carpenters representative)
- Ruben Galvan (NorCal Carpenters; member)
- Alberto/Albert Lustre (public commenter)

Authorities

- {\"type\":\"statute\",\"name\":\"AB 1287 (state density-bonus statute)\",\"citation\":\"AB 1287\",\"referenced_by\":[\"staff presentation\",\"public comment\"]}
- {\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"City of Santa Cruz Downtown Plan\",\"citation\":\"Downtown Plan (proposed amendments)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"staff report\"]}
- {\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"City of Santa Cruz General Plan\",\"citation\":\"General Plan (land use map)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"staff report\"]}
- {\"type\":\"policy\",\"name\":\"Local Coastal Program (LCP)\",\"citation\":\"Local Coastal Program\",\"referenced_by\":[\"staff report\"]}
- {\"type\":\"other\",\"name\":\"Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR)\",\"citation\":\"Final SEIR for Downtown Plan expansion\",\"referenced_by\":[\"staff report\"]}

Actions

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Recommend City Council certify the Final SEIR and adopt Downtown Plan/LCP/General Plan/municipal code amendments as proposed in staff packet, with commission amendments to: (1) add transportation/pedestrian/bike enhancement language; (2) add encouragement language for local hiring and apprenticeship programs\",\"mover\":\"Commissioner Kennedy\",\"second\":\"Commissioner McKelvey\",\"vote_record\":[{\"member\":\"Commissioner Kelly\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"at-large\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Kennedy\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"at-large\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner McKelvey\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"at-large\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Chair Paul Hammis\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"chair\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Dan\",\"member_id\":\"unknown\",\"seat\":\"at-large\",\"vote\":\"no\"}],\"tally\":{\"yes\":4,\"no\":1,\"abstain\":0,\"absent\":1,\"recused\":1},\"legal_threshold\":{\"met\":true,\"notes\":\"Recommendation to council; council action required for final adoption.\"},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Motion forwarded recommended certification and package with amendments; Commissioner Gordon recused.\"}

Discussion vs decision

- Discussion: technical details of FAR, building heights, riverfront connections, and alternatives for affordable production (on-site, off-site, in‑lieu fee, land dedication).
- Direction: staff to refine land-dedication option, incorporate transportation/active‑use policy language and encouragement language for local-hire/apprenticeship prior to council submittal.
- Decision: commission recommendation to council (see action above).

Clarifying details

- \"project area size\": 29 acres added to the Downtown Plan (staff presentation)
- \"study capacities\": staff modeled roughly 1,300 zoning-capacity units for the area; with an arena on one parcel the working net housing capacity number cited in presentation was about 1,060 units (staff)
- \"affordability target\": staff target 20% of gross units as the inclusionary threshold used for the downtown density-bonus modeling (staff)

Proper names

[{\"name\":\"City of Santa Cruz\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Downtown Plan\",\"type\":\"other\"},{\"name\":\"Local Coastal Program\",\"type\":\"policy\"},{\"name\":\"Lee Butler\",\"type\":\"person\"},{\"name\":\"Sarah Noisy\",\"type\":\"person\"},{\"name\":\"Bill Wiseman\",\"type\":\"person\"},{\"name\":\"Paul Hammis\",\"type\":\"person\"},{\"name\":\"Santa Cruzans for Responsible Development\",\"type\":\"organization\"}]

Community relevance

{\"geographies\":[\"Downtown Santa Cruz\",\"South of Laurel\",\"San Lorenzo Riverfront\"],\"funding_sources\":[\"local\",\"state housing funds\"],\"impact_groups\":[\"renters\",\"workers in construction\",\"downtown businesses\",\"visitors\"]}

Meeting context

{\"engagement_level\":{\"speakers_count\":35,\"duration_minutes\":240,\"items_count\":1},\"implementation_risk\":\"medium\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"2021-11\",\"note\":\"Project kickoff and early outreach\"},{\"date\":\"2023-06\",\"note\":\"Council direction to refine FAR and goals\"}]}

Searchable tags

[\"downtown-expansion\",\"density-bonus\",\"affordable-housing\",\"SEIR\",\"Santa-Cruz\"]

Provenance

{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"block_1832.43\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":76,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"...we will move on to item number 3, which is the downtown plan expansion project.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_14565.886\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"That concludes the public hearing for this evening.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}

Salience

{\"overall\":0.85,\"overall_justification\":\"Major citywide land-use change affecting housing capacity, downtown form and coastal planning; forwarded to City Council for final action.\",\"impact_scope\":\"local\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Changes affect downtown Santa Cruz and coastal planning areas.\",\"attention_level\":\"high\",\"attention_level_justification\":\"High public interest, many public commenters, and implications for housing and downtown economy.\",\"novelty\":0.6,\"novelty_justification\":\"Locally significant expansion of downtown plan and a locally tailored density-bonus structure; uses recently changed state density-bonus law.\",\"timeliness_urgency\":0.8,\"timeliness_urgency_justification\":\"Council action scheduled next month; SEIR just posted.\",\"legal_significance\":0.7,\"legal_significance_justification\":\"Changes to General Plan, LCP and zoning; triggers CEQA SEIR certification.\",\"budgetary_significance\":0.5,\"budgetary_significance_justification\":\"Potential revenue and funding implications for affordable housing trust fund via in‑lieu fee option; also capital improvements for public realm.\",\"public_safety_risk\":0.4,\"public_safety_risk_justification\":\"Public raised evacuation and traffic concerns that require mitigation and coordination with fire/transportation agencies.\"}

Engagement forecast

{\"newsworthiness\":{\"national\":0.05,\"regional\":0.25,\"local\":0.95,\"justification\":\"Primarily a local planning matter with regional interest because of state housing law interaction.\"},\"notify_recommendation\":{\"audience\":\"city\",\"reason\":\"Major city plan change and council referral; notify local government stakeholders and community organizations.\",\"audience_regions\":[\"US-CA-SC\"],\"justification\":\"Local stakeholders and nearby jurisdictions have interest.\"},\"predicted_interest\":{\"national\":0.05,\"regional\":0.25,\"local\":0.95,\"justification\":\"High local public interest; moderate regional policy interest.\"},\"predicted_click_through\":0.45,\"predicted_read_time_minutes\":5,\"predicted_shares\":120}

Graph signals

{\"jurisdictions\":[\"US-CA-CRZ\"],\"ontology_topics\":[\"housing\",\"land-use\",\"transportation\"],\"entities\":[{\"id\":\"lee-butler\",\"name\":\"Lee Butler\",\"type\":\"person\"},{\"id\":\"sarah-noisy\",\"name\":\"Sarah Noisy\",\"type\":\"person\"}],\"events\":[{\"id\":\"santa-cruz-planning-2025-04-17\",\"name\":\"Planning Commission hearing\",\"date\":\"2025-04-17\"}]}

Topics\":[{\"name\":\"housing\",\"justification\":\"Primary policy area: changes increase residential capacity and set affordable housing requirements.\",\"scoring\":{\"topic_relevance\":1.0,\"depth_score\":0.9,\"opinionatedness\":0.05,\"controversy\":0.7,\"civic_salience\":0.9,\"impactfulness\":0.85,\"geo_relevance\":1.0}},{\"name\":\"downtown redevelopment\",\"justification\":\"Project reshapes downtown boundaries, public realm and arena site options.\",\"scoring\":{\"topic_relevance\":0.95,\"depth_score\":0.85,\"opinionatedness\":0.05,\"controversy\":0.6,\"civic_salience\":0.85,\"impactfulness\":0.8,\"geo_relevance\":1.0}}]","The Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend that City Council certify the final SEIR and adopt amendments to the Downtown Plan, General Plan, Local Coastal Program and municipal zoning with staff-proposed changes and two commission amendments: a transportation/active‑use provision and an encouragement for local-hire/apprenticeship language.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Commission approves consent items including Leonard Street land‑use correction and Delaware Avenue homeless-garden project

Santa Cruz Planning Commission backs downtown plan expansion, narrows local density-bonus option