By Kim De Serpa
Editor’s note: On April 8, Second District Supervisor Kim De Serpa appointed Jesse Nickell, retired from Barry Swenson Builder, the developer that spearheaded the Aptos Village Project, to the Planning Commission. He lives in Santa Cruz, but there is no requirement that appointees live in the district they represent. Aptos Times asked De Serpa if she saw a conflict of interest.
Here is her response:
During my campaign I heard loud and clear from contractors, architects and regular people about their frustration and displeasure with the process of trying to obtain permits for projects big and small.
As a result of these conversations, I have appointed Mr. Jesse Nickell to the Planning Commission.
I’d like first thank Allyson Violante for her service as Zach Friend’s planning commissioner. She chaired the commission and was diligent and thoughtful in her approach over the years.
Mr. Nickell has a background in construction and project management, having worked in the trade for 34 years as a vice president for Barry Swenson Builders. He retired from that post 4 years ago.
He understands deeply, the challenges we face as a community in accessing permits for simple jobs as well as for big projects.
Currently our county faces the need to build affordable, moderate and market rate housing. In the unincorporated area of the county alone the Regional Housing Needs Assessment/Housing Element requires us to build more than 4,500 units of housing.
Because it has been so difficult over time, to work within our county, we find ourselves painted into a corner-it’s very difficult to find a developer who will work in our area to accomplish these much-needed projects.
I believe that Mr. Nickell possesses the insight and experience to assist our county to accomplish and improve the process for individual people, as well as understanding the needs of larger projects.
Mr. Nickell is also a father, husband, artist and musician and member of our community. My hope with both his creative and pragmatic background he will serve us well.