When the Valley Gardens Golf Course was sold and halted business a few years back, there was a collective lament that we had lost a true community asset. The beautiful green gem has been missed, as it was a quiet respite for local golfers and many successful community fundraisers were held there. To stand and regard it now is sad as it wallows in disrepair and its past glory is rapidly fading in our memories.
The 30 acres is now under consideration for housing and some minor retail. The preliminary plans being brought forward are interesting and thoughtful, I think. They consist of about 170 units including single family dwellings, townhomes and apartments.
This proposal will be coming to the public later this year. Across the street from this project lies about 15 acres of land where our proposed town center is planned. In contrast to the beauty of a golf course, this parcel of land is a virtual scar on the landscape.
The asphalt landing strip is a remnant of an abandoned airport that is historical, but very much less pleasing to the eye. In its place is the proverbial town center project. You can be excused if you look askance at the term “town center.
” In my time on the council, there have been at least 10 proposals that have come and gone, usually because of the fact that the project (wait for it) “didn’t pencil out.” This time may be a little different, however. Scotts Valley and the city of Santa Cruz have come to terms on the sale of their parcel and that rep.