HomeKey Developer in Soquel to Meet Community Monday, By Manu

from Capitola Soquel Times: July 2022

by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

Grease: Musical Theater at its Best, By Mindy Pedlar

FEATURED COLUMNIST

HomeKey Developer in Soquel to Meet Community Monday

By Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District

Highway 1 Widening

This month the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes project takes another step forward! In July, Phase 1 of the project goes out to bid.

Phase 1 of the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes and Bus-on-Shoulder project includes adding an auxiliary lane to connect the 2.75 miles between the Soquel Avenue on-off ramps and the 41st Avenue on-off ramps.

This phase of the project also includes the Chanticleer pedestrian overcrossing bridge, a long-awaited component that will improve bike-pedestrian safety in the 1st District and add important connectivity for our residents.

Construction of Phase 1 of the Highway 1 Widening project is fully funded, and is expected to begin later this year or early 2023.

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Soquel HomeKey Project Gets State Funds

In June, the California Department of Housing and Community announced a $10.7 million HomeKey Award for the proposed permanent supportive housing project to be located at 2838 Park Ave. in Soquel.

The project, named Park Haven Plaza, is being developed by a partnership of Novin Development and the Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing, along with the County of Santa Cruz and Abode Services.

The award will help finance Park Haven Plaza, a 36-unit apartment building to serve as permanent homes for low-income families, young adults transitioning from foster care, and veterans. Park Haven Plaza amenities include 1,000 square feet of wrap-around service on site and resident amenity spaces as well as an on-site manager office. The building will have all-electric appliances, renewable energy and water conservation features, and will use modular construction to meet strict State guidelines which require construction to be completed within 12 months.

The Housing Authority of Santa Cruz has awarded Park Haven Plaza 35 housing project-based vouchers to assure stable, affordable housing for people transitioning from homelessness. Of that total, 17 are Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, another 14 are for young adults exiting foster care, and four are for homeless families with minor children. Prospective tenants will be screened for eligibility by the property management and the Housing Authority. Abode Services will provide on-site support to help assure future residents become long-term, successful tenants.

HomeKey developer meets the community 6-8 p.m. Monday at Cabrillo College Building 450; park in lots A & B and wear mask. Zoom: us06web.zoom. us/j/82998607497. Email questions to housingforhealth@santacruzcounty.us. See: parkhavenplaza.com. •••

Verizon Cell Tower, Soquel San Jose Rd.

Verizon continues to make steady progress on the Cell Service Improvement Project at 1931 Soquel San Jose Rd.

Construction began at the site in February 2022, and in May 2022, Verizon set the tower pole and began the utility undergrounding process. The trenching process is expected to take several weeks.

The timeframe for PG&E’s meter installation, power, and fiber delivery process is still to be determined, and we will continue to update constituents as we learn additional details.

If you are interested in learning more about the project or want to request improved service in your area, contact Maureen Cruzen, Verizon Municipal Engagement Partner at (925) 279-6638 or email maureen.

We welcome your feedback and involvement!

Give us a call anytime, (831) 454 -2200 or email first.district@santacruzcounty.us.

Join us at an upcoming community town hall meeting:

August Town Hall: Live Oak

Thursday, Aug. 11, from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Hybrid meeting: Sheriff Headquarters, Community Room, ground floor, 5200 Soquel Av.e, Santa Cruz, and on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom. us/j/96708318897

September Town Hall

Thursday, Sept. 8, from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Hybrid meeting: In-person location TBA and on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom. us/j/96708318897

For a full list of meetings, check our website: District 1 (santa-cruz.ca.us). n

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Come to our office at the Sheriff Center (5200 Soquel Ave.) for office hours with Supervisor Koenig, the first Wednesday of every month (except July 2022) from 1 to 3 p.m.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz