Apartments are planned at a grassy lot at 2091 17th Ave. in June 2025. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)
Last updated: June 2025
Location: 2091 17th Ave., Live Oak.
The site is a grassy lot on the west side of 17th Avenue north of and adjacent to the Cozy Court cul-de-sac.
Status
- A formal application is expected in summer 2025.
Timeline
- An SB 330 preliminary application was submitted to county planners in May 2025.
- Developers led a community meeting with about 30 residents in May 2025.
Developer
The United Methodist Church of Christ is the primary applicant. Developers from New Way Homes and Workbench are involved.
Project description
- Total units: 54 rental units.
- Height: Two three-story buildings.
- Affordable units: At least 50% of the units are expected to be rented below market rate. Twenty percent of the homes are expected to be reserved for low-income renters, Koenig wrote. State authorities define income limits annually.
- Parking: 54 spaces.
- Details: A pre-application submitted in May called for 52 units, including 11 priced below market rent. “This is still a preliminary submittal, so some details — like exact bedroom counts, affordability levels, or finalized parking plans — haven’t been confirmed yet,” Santa Cruz County spokesperson Tiffany Martinez said in June 2025. The Rev. Kangse Lee, church leaders and developers described the proposal as a “green community” to house families who live and work in Santa Cruz County, Koenig wrote in a May 2025 social media post.
Approval process
Once county planners receive and review the full application, the project likely will be considered by the Santa Cruz County Planning Commission for approval, said Martinez.
Two three-story buildings are proposed, viewed from 17th Avenue. (New Way Homes and Workbench)
2091 17th Ave. in June 2025. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)
Part of the property is paved and part is undeveloped. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)
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