Housing proposals move forward in Seabright, Live Oak

A parking lot north of Santa Cruz Bible Church is the proposed site of a townhome complex, shown in June 2025. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local file) SANTA CRUZ Two proposals for new housing are moving forward, even as neighbors push back against developments they say are out of place in single-family neighborhoods. Frederick Street townhomes Thursday, the Santa Cruz Planning Commission recommended approval for 19 townhomes near Arana Gulch to be offered for sale. The project at 528 Frederick St., next to Santa Cruz Bible Church, was downsized from a prior proposal in August 2025. That version included 23 townhomes and would have removed 11 “heritage-sized” trees. The new plan keeps more of the land as open space, and removes five heritage-sized trees. The new plans include: Four three-story buildings. Four homes priced below-market rate for low- or moderate-income households. 38 parking spaces.  Following the planning commission’s unanimous vote, the Santa Cruz City Council is