July 10, 2023

Casa Azul is Open to House Tenants This Summer

Casa Azul, formerly known as 801 River Street, is officially open and will begin housing tenants this summer. Located directly across the street from the Housing Matters campus, the Victorian building now has seven separate living spaces—two one-bedroom apartments and five studios—designed for residents with ongoing healthcare needs.

The renovation was funded through donations and grants, including a $2.24 million Project Homekey award from the State of California, in collaboration with the County of Santa Cruz and Housing for Health Partnership. Additional funding for Casa Azul was received from New Way Homes, Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Bank, Common Spirit, and Kaiser Permanente.

Bulky Item Service

Do you have large items you are ready to purge? The City offers solutions for unwanted appliances and other bulky items.

• Enlist the help of a hauling service.
• Donate large items.
• Call Customer Service (831-420-5220) to request a bulky item pickup.

Take advantage of the City of Santa Cruz' Bulky Item Service to help you get rid of unwanted items! Leaving items on the curb is illegal dumping. Schedule your pickup today. Visit the Account

Holders site if you have an account or the Non-Account Holders site if you do not.

Permanent Parklet Incentive Program Receives 20+ Applications

The initial application period for the Economic Development Department’s Permanent Parklet Incentive Program closed on June 30, 2023. The City currently has 28 parklets active throughout the community. Economic Development received

21 applications for Permanent Parklet Permits and the Incentive Grant Program. The majority of applicants chose to apply for the preapproved parklet with eligibility of up to $10,000 for installation.

Three others chose to apply for the retrofit option with up to $5,000 in grant funding available. Businesses that chose not to apply for a permanent parklet will have until October 31, 2023 to remove their parklets. Installation of permanent designs will be ongoing throughout the summer and fall.

The Permanent Parklet Incentive Program is part of a larger effort by the Economic Development Department to lower barriers and increase access for businesses interested in expanding and offering outdoor dining options. To learn more and see preapproved designs, check out our parklet guide and stay tuned for updates as construction begins.



City of Santa Cruz

City Manager's Office

809 Center Street

Santa Cruz CA 95060

santacruzca.gov

831-420-5030