Santa Cruz Local newsletter brief for the week of Jan. 15

1. Food Bin housing project to be considered by Santa Cruz Planning Commission

HOUSING

Food Bin housing project to be considered by Santa Cruz Planning Commission

The Food Bin and Herb Room at Mission and Laurel streets in Santa Cruz could be replaced by a 59-unit housing project on top of new versions of the stores. (Workbench)

7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 / 809 Center St., Santa Cruz and online 

The Santa Cruz Planning Commission on Jan. 18 is expected to consider permits related to a 59-unit housing project on the site of the Food Bin and Herb Room at 1130 and 1132 Mission St.

A five story, 61-foot building is proposed with the Food Bin and Herb Room on the ground floor, project leaders have said.  The proposal includes eight affordable units for tenants with “very low incomes” based on state income limits. 

The project includes an application for a density bonus under state law. It would allow for a taller and denser building than city rules would normally permit because of its affordable units. 

The Food Bin has sold health foods and other products on Mission and Laurel since 1975.

—Nik Altenberg

To participate: Attend the Planning Commission meeting at 809 Center St. in Santa Cruz. To comment ahead of the meeting, email [email protected] by 12 p.m. Wednesday. The meeting will be broadcast on Comcast channel 25 and streamed online at communitytv.org/watch.

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