5940 Soquel Avenue project

Longtime area resident showed photos of flooding and frogs on the affected property, urged the project be tabled until a real environmental study is done, and noted an open trench on a neighbor's property for 60 years.

Beachcomber Mobile Home Park resident said units costing $1-1.2 million aren't affordable, worried about parking and sewer impacts, and asked the Board to reconsider.

Beachcomber resident whose unit backs up to the project said buildings 12 feet from her window will block her light, complained about traffic and parking, and cited likely soil contamination.

Carpenters Union representative said the union doesn't support the project without a commitment to a responsible contractor using apprenticeships, healthcare and retirement benefits.

Adjacent property owner questioned whether the new storm drain can handle runoff from the future drive-in site development and protect his property from flooding.

46-year Beachcomber resident criticized use of the sheriff's property for the emergency exit, loss of 70-year-old redwoods and eucalyptus, and worsening parking on Madison Lane and Soquel Avenue.

Encouraged the Board to pass the project, ideally at the higher 20% affordability level, noting an empty lot is a good place for housing.

Distributed 50 years of flooding photos and urged the Board to adopt the higher 20% affordable requirement, noting other speakers mentioned 25%.

Former planning commissioner phoned in to recount Live Oak Plain drainage and wetland history, warning the pipes can't handle big storm years and that highway-adjacent housing has poor air quality.