Santa Cruz residents oppose 831 Almar Avenue student housing project at council meeting

The Santa Cruz City Planning meeting held on March 20, 2025, focused on a proposed housing project at 831 Almar Avenue, which has sparked significant community concern. The meeting began with a review of the project’s design, emphasizing the need for an engaging street front and the potential impact of the garage and boundary walls on the neighborhood.

Following the staff presentation, public comments were invited, revealing a strong opposition to the project from local residents. Many speakers expressed concerns about the proposed six-story building, which they believe is inconsistent with the character of the surrounding residential area. Residents highlighted issues such as increased traffic congestion, loss of privacy, and the potential for diminished property values.

Kenny Imes, a local resident, urged the planning commission to prioritize community needs over external influences, criticizing the project for being primarily aimed at students rather than addressing the housing needs of families and low-income residents. He argued that the city should focus on developing housing on the university campus instead of in residential neighborhoods.

Nicole De La Santina, another speaker, shared her personal experience of navigating the housing market in Santa Cruz and emphasized the importance of home ownership over rental properties, which she believes do not contribute positively to the community.

Several residents raised concerns about traffic, particularly on Mission Street, which they described as already congested. They argued that adding hundreds of new residents would exacerbate existing issues and questioned the feasibility of relying on public transportation for such a large development.

Other speakers echoed these sentiments, calling for a reduction in the building's height and density. They expressed a desire for more green spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure rather than additional commercial and residential development.

The meeting concluded with a call for responsible development practices, including hiring local contractors who prioritize community welfare. The planning commission is expected to consider the feedback from this meeting as they deliberate on the future of the Almar Avenue project. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential adjustments to the proposal based on community input.