Planning Commission backs staff to advance 831 Almar Ave. planned‑development review amid neighborhood concerns

The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission on March 20 voted 5–1 to recommend that the City Council allow the applicant for 831 Almar Avenue to proceed with a planned development (PD) permit application, with staff-recommended revisions and additional commission suggestions.

Staff described the proposal as an early‑consideration concept for redevelopment of an approximately 1.97‑acre industrial parcel south of Mission Street. Senior Planner Tim Mayer told the commission the concept is for a six‑story mixed industrial‑residential building that, as presented, would include roughly 120 residential units, about 13,455 square feet of industrial and commercial space, and 95 parking stalls; staff noted the proposal would reduce the site’s industrial building area by about 31,371 net square feet compared with existing buildings.

The vote followed a two‑hour public hearing in which neighbors and other residents raised repeated concerns about scale, traffic, parking and nuisance impacts. “This project will not support the community,” resident Kenny Imes said, adding that the November outreach meeting disclosed the project was “primarily for students.” Abigail Folcard, who lives two blocks away, told commissioners, “I don't feel that it's our responsibility to provide housing for UCSC students,” and…