Residents file lawsuit against Aptos Village Project

While minor construction is underway on the Aptos Village Project, so is a lawsuit against Santa Cruz County, hoping to hold it accountable for implementing the entire plan.

“A lot of us who live up here, we didn’t want this in the first place,” said Aptos resident Veronica Joyce Gallart.

The suit was filed by community group “We Are Aptos,” which said it’s not trying to stop the project from moving forward, rather trying to make sure it includes a park, walking spaces and a parking lot.

“I don’t think it was ever in any of their interest to see what the people of Aptos wanted,” said Gallart. “It was about money.”

Santa Cruz County Communications Manager Jason Hoppin issued this statement to KION News:

“We are disappointed to learn this suit was filed. The Aptos Village Plan dates to the 1970s and is the result of years of community meetings. There is widespread community consensus on the need for new housing, including affordable housing, and this project begins to address those needs.”

The project is slated to include nearly 70 residential units and 15 commercial spots.

“There’s obviously a housing shortage in the Santa Cruz Area and there’s going to be a number of units smaller and larger units,” said Keith Henderson, senior project manager for Barry Swenson Builder. “So there are going to be opportunities for people, restaurants, other stores and even business opportunities for people.”

Some of the residents are supportive of the development.

“Will it change the atmosphere here a little bit? Of course, but that’s progress,” said Aptos resident Tom Hogan. “I don’t know what else you can do.”

While others say the project is too big because commercial and residences are being added, interfering with their quality of life.

“Feels like such a violation to have our house rattling everyday, hear the noise,” said Veronica. “To see the traffic get worse, it’s a tough place to live right now. No privacy whatsoever.”

Residents say while they may be gaining something new they’re losing important history.

“Personally I think that they shouldn’t put anything in here just ’cause it’s like historic, you know,” said Connor Gallart of Aptos. “The apple barn here and the Bayview Hotel.”

The project manager believes the development will preserve history and decrease traffic.