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County to Spend $460,000 on Design for New Animal Shelter
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County to Spend $460,000 on Design for New Animal Shelter
By Debbie Friedman
Santa Cruz County’s stray animals are on their way to having a new custom-built home once the old SPCA building on Seventh Avenue in Live Oak is demolished and replaced with a new building. On Dec.13, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved spending $460,000 on design and engineering for the property. The total construction costs are estimated at $5 million.
The County purchased the Seventh Avenue site from the Santa Cruz SPCA in May 2004. Renovation of the existing buildings was considered but determined not to be cost-effective. County staff, working with Teal Messer, Architect, then began preliminary conceptual planning.
“We are absolutely excited about the prospect of the new facility and pleased to return to the Seventh Avenue location,” said Mike McFarland, General Manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority.
The ASA was formed after the County and local cities failed to renew SPCA’s contract in 2002, after years of roiling debate and financial despair. The public joint powers agency bought the SPCA facility after SPCA discounted the property to repay debt owed the County and cities from previous contracts.
Who Says You Can’t Return Home?
For years, under SPCA oversight, the Seventh Avenue facility was home to North County strays, while the City of Watsonville kept a separate kennel.
McFarland said that the community is used to the animal shelter being located at this central site, which has served as an animal shelter in different forms since the 1930s.
“The site has everything for us, including space to exercise animals and the large animal barn,” McFarland said.
According to McFarland, the SPCA will lease office space from the County a half block down from the existing site. He believes the close proximity will foster a cooperative relationship between the SPCA and the County agency. The SPCA continues to provide low-cost spay and neuter programs, public education and help with the coordination of rescue work.
The proposed new shelter will be approximately 12,500 square feet and will include office space, a lobby, reception and adoption area, volunteer and foster care program areas, animal receiving, indoor/outdoor kennels, animal meet and greet areas, vet services areas, use of the existing barn for larger animals, and room for staff operational needs. This space is the rough equivalent of the temporary Animal Services Authority site located in Scotts Valley.
Teal Messer to Get Contract
The initial funds approved will be released in two phases. The first phase includes a $66,000 contract with Teal Messer, Architect, for conceptual plans and schematic design. This phase includes proposed building sites, parking, site access, and project cost estimates. A community presentation will be made to provide local residents an opportunity to give feedback specific to the facility.
On April 25, the Board of Supervisors will review the results of phase one planning. If the Board agrees to move forward, they will release the additional funds, not to exceed the total allocation of $460,000.
With full funding, architects are expected to produce a Master Plan within five months. It would be subject to a Planning Commission hearing and include options for related projects, such as a nearby dog park.
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Jan Beautz said the original idea was to renovate the existing site, but it became too costly with the old buildings, outside animal runs, parking issues and a list of problems with the facility.
“We are looking for a design that is better for the neighborhood, the animals, and a design that reduces noise in the area,” Beautz added.
Beautz hopes that the neighbors will participate in the process, given that there have been complaints regarding the site in the past. As to a dog park in the area, Supervisor Beautz added that it is an option, but not a required component of the master plan.
A public hearing would be held for any formal proposal for a dog park as part of the Seventh Avenue facility.
As the Board of Directors for the County’s Redevelopment Agency, the Board’s action provides the financing of the project as part of the Redevelopment Agency’s Five Year Implementation Plan for community improvements and elimination of blight.
[Editor’s Note: For community members that would like to follow the progress of the project and review any proposed plans, contact the County’s Redevelopment Agency at 831-454-2280 or Supervisor Jan Beautz’ office at 831-454-2200.]
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