City Manager's Weekly Update

Week Ending December 14, 2018

I attended a press conference this morning at the Santa Cruz METRO Cavallaro Transit Center in Scotts Valley to celebrate its recent acquisition of 14 buses through a partnership with the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) that serves communities in Santa Clara County. Of the 14 buses, four will be used to serve UCSC and the remaining 10 are for the Highway 17 Express Route.

Surprisingly, this partnership between transit districts is the first of its kind in the State of California, and because of it, Santa Cruz METRO will save nearly $8 million in vehicle replacement costs. What a great holiday gift as METRO did not have available funds to replace and/or upgrade buses in its fleet.

This is a perfect example of how creativity and collaboration can make the impossible possible.

Jenny Haruyama, City Manager

Swearing-In of Newly Elected/Re-Elected Council Members

At the next Scotts Valley City Council Meeting, newly elected Council Member Derek Timm and re-elected Council Member Jim Reed will be officially sworn in. Please join us on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 6 pm for the swearing-in ceremony and light refreshments afterward!

Proposed Mixed Use Development on La Madrona Drive

This week, developer Brent Lee held a community meeting on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 to discuss a proposed mixed use project off of La Madrona Drive. The proposed project includes a free-standing restaurant, 180-room hotel, senior housing community, and luxury rental apartment homes.

Over 70 people attended the meeting. While many residents expressed concern about the density of the proposed development, they were also appreciative of the meeting format which allowed them to share their thoughts and concerns. The developer will likely refine his proposed project based on resident input and schedule another community meeting in the future.

It is important to note that this proposed project has NOT been approved. That being said, developers do have a legal right to submit development applications for consideration, and will often reach out to residents to gauge their interest in a project. This feedback process is important because it can help shape what is ultimately brought forward to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration.

Proposed Development on Skypark/Mount Hermon Road - Community Meeting

City Ventures has expressed interest in exploring a residential development at the corner of Skypark and Mount Hermon Road. This is a proposed project and no application has been filed with the City. The developer is reaching out to the community to obtain feedback about its proposed plan and approach. If an application is filed with the City, it will be reviewed and considered by the Planning Commission and City Council through a public process. A meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 between 6 pm - 8 pm at the Skypark Classroom. If you have any questions, please email Samantha Hauser, City Ventures Director of Development at samantha@cityventures.com.

Next Town Center Community Meeting

Two Town Center Community Meetings are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 1 pm and 6 pm at the Scotts Valley Community Center. For more information or to sign up for meeting notifications, visit: http://scottsvalleytowngreen.com/.

City Offices Holiday Closure

The Scotts Valley City Hall, Recreation Office (Skypark), and Senior Center will be closed in mid-late December and early January. The Public Works Office, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Police Department will be open and maintain regular work hours. Building inspection services will also be provided if needed during the closure. Staff will also proactively connect with developers and residents that have construction projects underway to ensure the necessary inspections are scheduled. Below is the office holiday closure schedule:

City Hall Office Holiday Closure:
Monday, December 24, 2018 - Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Parks and Recreation Office Holiday Closure
Monday, December 24, 2018 – Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Senior Center Holiday Closure:
Monday, December 17, 2018 - Tuesday, January 1, 2019