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February 26, 2010
February 26, 2010 - March 11, 2010
Volume XXII, Issue 2
In This Issue...
Developer Asking for Input on Proposed Capitola Hotel
Turf Wars -- Is Going Artificial the Right Move?
Local Beekeepers Hope Rainy Winter Means a Honey of a Year
Capitola Council Encourages Surf & Sand Sides to Work Things Out
Race for South County Supervisor Draws Three Candidates
Aptos Village Plan Approved
Education Supporters Rally and March
Vets Building Review Moves Forward
911
Sheriff's Office Announces One Retirement and a Series of Promotions
Crimebeat
Crimebeat 02-26-10
Events
Business Showcase Reports Success
History
The Master of Lent House
People
The New Sheriff Looks Toward the Future
The Mid-County Post > News
Aptos Village Plan Approved
Swenson May Submit First Development Phase Later this Year
By Linda Fridy
Aptos has a plan to create a new village center following the Board of Supervisors' unanimous approval Feb. 23 of revised guidelines that will create a village green surrounded by shops and homes.

The newly approved Aptos Village Plan clears the way for Barry Swenson Builder to begin work on development for six acres of what was once a thriving lumber and apple-producing community.
Swenson owns much of the now-empty land that sits behind businesses fronting Soquel Drive.

The new plan replaces one last revised in 1985 that would have allowed more homes and larger buildings.

The pedestrian-friendly concept won the support of the majority of the community and all of the supervisors. Some residents mourned the potential loss of the area's sleepy nature, but more welcomed a vision described as creating a heart for the village.

Swenson Vice President Jesse Nickell said his company will begin to put together a planned development application now that the new plan is approved.

The empty lots will be developed over time as the economy dictates, but groundbreaking could begin for a portion as early as next year, he said.

Old and New

Much of the discussion centered on the undeveloped areas within the plan, but it also addresses concerns of existing buildings, some of which have split zoning.

The plan unifies and relaxes zoning in the Hihn area – the portion of town that is the most historic and that contains a number of historic homes. This is achieved by permitting mixed use and simplifying the application process for changes.

Supervisors added last-minute elements to help make the area safer for bicyclists. The village area is popular with bikers in spite of traffic on relatively narrow streets.

Two new streets through the undeveloped portion should also help with traffic flow. Residents applauded the addition of new sidewalks.

Community members asked that these elements be put in place early in the development process.

Perhaps the biggest remaining question of the plan is whether the historic Apple Barn can be preserved when it is relocated adjacent to the new village green as proposed.

Members of the historic resources commission expressed concern about whether the structure's historic integrity can be maintained.

Swenson has discussed converting the barn, which currently houses an assortment of antique dealers, to a grocery store.
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