We are writing to you because you have subscribed (thank you again!) to a Santa Cruz citizens web site that is calling for a much more compatible housing project than the one currently proposed for 831 Water Street.

Since we last wrote, representatives from our 831 Responsible Development group met again with the developer, Iman Novin of Novin Development. While cordial enough, the substance of this and our first meeting with him makes it clear to us that Mr. Novin plans to max out his development of that parcel, up to the very limits of what state law will allow, irrespective of local sensibilities or regulations. He has also made it clear that he intends to pursue “streamlined” project approval, pursuant to State Senate Bill 35 (SB35), meaning there would be no Planning Commission or City Council hearings.

This means that we are going to have to continue to work with the local lawyer we have retained, pursuing any and all legal options available to us, on behalf of the residents of our town. This means continuing and, perhaps, escalating legal bills.

That’s why we are asking in this message for you to consider making a financial contribution — small, large, or something in between — to our 831 group. While large donations are always welcome, we really are building a grassroots campaign … so please consider making a contribution of any size. Our current goal is to raise $13,500, and we are just $2,000 short of that.

A PayPal link is on our web site’s Donate page. As is stated on that page, contributions to our group are not only supporting our group’s legal expenses, but also outreach and other related costs. Please know that we will return any unused funds to our contributors on a pro-rata basis when our work advocating for a more reasonable project at 831 Water Street is complete.

Thank you very, very much for your support!