Aptos, USA a coastal treasure
Aptos is a coastal community of 6,120* residents. Residents choose to live in Aptos for its natural beauty and small town appeal. Its lifestyle attracts families, retirees and vacationers from around the world.
* california-demographics.com 2012
Small town Aptos
Over the years, Aptos residents have fought successfully to resist suburban sprawl developments−protecting Aptos’s greatest economic asset−its unique Central Coast environment and hometown appeal.
Businesses, both corporate and local, respect Aptos’s long held identity as an independent, unspoiled American town.
The Aptos Fourth of July Parade
True community value is measured in its social fabric: schools, events, neighbors, friends, clubs, meeting places, and traditions.
Aptos Town and Country
Community Opposition to Safeway Development Plan Aptos residents support an updated Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center. Unfortunately, Safeway Corporation’s latest proposal is opposed by an overwhelming majority of residents. Public sentiment supports a development that respects the community, economy, people and natural resources of Aptos.
Community Feedback 1. Do not degrade the natural beauty of Aptos (by raising and leveling the site) 2. Keep the Safeway store in same location 3. Size Safeway Store at 42,000 sf (Los Gatos store) 4. Greatly reduce the size of proposed gas station 5. Build within the size and character of Aptos 6. Retain the Aptos Theater complex
Local Development Comparisons Los Gatos population = 30,200* Safeway store size: 42,000 sq ft Aptos population = 6,120 proposed Safeway store size: 55,000 sq ft + 18 pump gas station, the largest in Santa Cruz County
*U.S. Census 2012
A Vision for RanchoDelMar Shopping Center and Aptos
The Safeway Corporation has developed several properties that respect the environment, demographics and character of the towns and cities in which they build. The following are examples of developments that enhance both economic and community vitality.
Carmel Crossroads Safeway A mix of building shapes and sizes help to reflect the spirit of Carmel village. The use of a variety of materials: wood, shingle, brick and pavers, soften the facade and create a welcoming scale and human experience.
Carmel Crossroads The “split” development features a large Safeway Store on the west side and a shopping “village” on the east side. The seamless design between larger scale spaces (Safeway and other retailers) and a meandering shopping district featuring small businesses, public spaces, intimate landscaping and a variety of facades is a showcase of corporate and community partnership.
Carmel Crossroads Shopping Village Retail buildings incorporate parking, sidewalks and landscaping into communal gathering spaces. Views of the surrounding Carmel environment are treated as assets−and are featured throughout the development.
Aptos Character
Aptos Station Shopping Center on Soquel Drive is a good example of Aptos community style and scale. Buildings and public spaces create an inviting experience. An eclectic mix of stores with little tenant turnover is a model for local success.
Let’s make Rancho Del Mar a place of community vitality and pride! The Safeway Corporation’s development at Rancho Del Mar shopping center can and should inspire residents, visitors and shoppers. A longterm vision is called for, a place where people will want to visit. Let’s plan and develop a place of pride, a gathering place, a community center that identifies a unique coastal town - a place we can call home.