By Noel Smith
A number of issues involving land use and public facilities in Capitola are the concern of the City Council, City Manager, Jaime Goldstein and the public. We talked to Goldstein to find out from his perspective what the current situation is and where the city is heading in developing and resolving these questions.
Will there be two skate parks in Capitola? The skate park, bicycle pump track, dog park and play area planned for Capitola’s McGregor Park are fully funded thanks to private donations including $50,000 from the Monte Foundation. The park is on track to be completed and in operation by early summer. The skate park proposed for Monterey Park is a long way from being built. The plans have to be approved along with an EIR, then go though public hearings, get the Coastal Commission’s approval and find a satisfactory source of funding.
Goldstein also pointed out that McGregor Park is classified as a temporary facility. The eventual use for the property is planned for a hotel because of its location next to Highway 1 at the entrance to New Brighton Beach State Park.
Soccer Fields in Capitola. There are currently no regulation-size soccer fields in Capitola. The areas used for soccer in Jade Street Park and in Monterey Avenue Park are too small. The issue has recently been raised because a skate park in Monterey Avenue Park would take away from its field area. Also, if the Soquel Unified Elementary School District decides to build an elementary school in Jade Street Park, which they own, the field area there would also be reduced. Goldstein noted that with that realization, the question becomes should there be a regulation size soccer field in Capitola, and where should it be?
New Capitola Library. The current 4,320 sq ft library is too small and the city is planning to build a new facility. The current property can handle up to a 10,000 sq foot building with the required parking. However, the recommended size based on usage is 12,000 -13,000 feet which requires additional parking and more property. Goldstein said that a two-story facility would be more expensive to build and require more staff to operate. The question now is, will the city be able to buy adjacent property to meet the new library’s needs?
New Civic Center. Since the flood of 2011 the city has been considering building new facilities and a new 3-story parking garage. This would be paid for through having an 80-room hotel share the 7-acre city property. The city council is intent on having public involvement in the planning process, the plan for which will be revealed in March. An interesting possibility being considered is placing the new city administration and police department buildings facing onto Monterey Avenue and the parking and hotel complex facing Capitola Avenue. This would take the new civic center out of the flood zone.
Monarch Cove Expansion. According to Goldstein, there has been no official action on the part of the owner to expand the current facilities.
Rispin Mansion and Grounds. A grant has made possible, said Goldstein, the first step in making the Rispin property a public park and garden, which is the building of a series of pathways on the grounds. Clean-up of the building and grounds is to be followed later by some restoration which is yet to be determined. The paths are expected to be opened within the next 3-4 months.