Neighbors who oppose a 157-home development on 40 acres between Hidden Glen and Rolling Woods neighborhoods on Graham Hill Road, a “builder’s remedy” project that bypasses county regulations on size and density, are rallying to bring their concerns to Fifth District Supervisor Monica Martinez, who has open office hours on Monday, April 14, from 3:30-5 pm at the Scotts Valley Library community room.
They sent out an email blast: “Let Supervisor Martinez know that we are serious about stopping The Haven Development Project on Graham Hill Road. Please ask everyone you know to show up.”
Property owner Mike Formico, who lives on Graham Hill Road, applied Sept. 30, but county staff deemed the application incomplete and his agent, Lance Tate of Tate Development, has been working to provide the requisite information.
Tiffany Martinez, spokeswoman for the county community development department, said in an email March 26: “This project application is still incomplete and there have been no movement or changes.”
The site is mostly undisturbed land across from Henry Cowell State Park.
Proposed are 123 single family homes, 34 attached homes; an 18,000-square-foot community center, a new private street network, and removal of approximately 602 trees.
Among the issues for The Haven are a lawsuit by Cindy Krueger claiming full or part ownership, alleging she took out nearly $6 million in loans on his behalf to purchase properties.
Another is the source of water for the development as it involves four parcels, not all with water access.
Parcel numbers are: 061-441-05, 061-441-06, 067-271-35, and 067-271-36.
Neighbors also cite increasing traffic on Graham Hill Road, a rural two-lane road without sidewalks or bike lanes, and the loss of a corridor for wildlife such as mountain lions to pass through.
Neighbors are posting updates on Facebook at Stop The Haven.
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To view the planning file see: www2.santacruzcountyca.gov/PlanningApplicationStatus/Pln?n=241369
TOP PHOTO: A rendering of the planned layout for “The Haven” project.