By Mayor Donna Lind
In my capacity as Mayor, I’ve been meeting with various civic groups and organizations to speak on the State of the City. I wanted to share this information with the broader community as well.
This August, the City of Scotts Valley celebrated its 50th Anniversary of incorporation, which was August 2nd, 1966. Much has changed since then, but there is much that has not changed. Our strong sense of community and small town character has stood the test of time and continues to be that special place we all fell in love with.
When the economy crashed in 2008, revenue plummeted and City services were significantly reduced. During those very difficult times, the city balanced the budget and reprioritized goals based on available resources. With hard work and community support, the City’s economy is strengthening and businesses are returning to Scotts Valley
We’re excited to see 1440 Multiversity taking shape at the former Bethany University Campus. This will be a beautiful new campus for Silicon Valley hi-tech team building as well as family & couple counseling. Having this corporate presence in the City will position us well for future economic development opportunities. Lexington Hotel is taking shape on Scotts Valley Drive and replaced a former rockery and rental business. Additionally, a Residence Marriott and the only extended stay hotel in the County, has been approved for construction near the Enterprise Complex, or what many of us know as the former Borland building.
These three developments are important, as they will provide Transit Occupancy Taxes (TOT) that go directly into the City’s general fund. The Marriott Residence Inn alone estimates they will bring the City approximately $500,000 in TOT taxes to the City annually, yet they won’t impact our schools or police services.
Kaiser Permanente is locating offices in the Granite Creek Business Center, an area that has been vacant since the economic downturn. Their largest office in the County is being located in Scotts Valley. Other positive changes include the relocation of the UCSC Administrative services Department to Scotts Valley. UCSC signed a long-term lease to rent a portion of the former Borland Building, which had been vacant for years.
Some have asked about the impact of development on our water table. Citywide water use has reduced to 1990’s levels and all new development projects must include the most efficient water/energy conservation technology. Several of these new projects are using state of the art technology that will inject water back into the groundwater basin.
I’m encouraged by the renewed vitality around the Town Center despite the past impacts of the Great Recession. On September 21 at 6 p.m., the City Council approved the sale of former Suburban Propane property to a Corbett Wright who plans to build a restaurant & bar/brewery and an exclusive negotiation agreement with Foothill Partners to begin the process to build the proposed Town Center.
As we look forward to Scotts Valley’s next 50 years, I am particularly excited about highly qualified and capable new City Manager with deep roots in Scotts Valley – Jenny Haruyama. Her extensive experience in local government is an asset, especially as we continue work for the City’s General Plan Update process.
I’m confident in the City’s ability to grow its tax base so that we can maintain our small town character and quality of life for the residents of Scotts Valley.