December 2024
Dear neighbors:
Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos is the owner of the 1.1-acre site (114 & 116 Trevethan Avenue and 1809-1811-1817 & 1823 Soquel Avenue). We are in the early planning stages for the redevelopment of the site.
Why is testing needed?
Before any development proposal can be prepared an investigation of the existing site conditions is required. Prior to Barrios Unidos’ purchase of the site in 1997 the existing buildings were used as a hardware store, auto repair shops and a laundry. An initial Environmental Site Assessment of the site found that these past uses have caused some contamination of the soil and soil vapor in the sub-surface on the property. Barrios Unidos has received a grant from the State of California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to complete a comprehensive analysis of the soils and/or soil vapor, and to design a remedial program for the removal of any contaminated soil and/or soil vapor.
What to expect:
This is a two-year program. The initial testing will involve the installation of temporary monitoring devices inside the buildings and in the outdoor areas. Environmental Testing Workers will be seen as these monitoring devices are being installed and then removed. This testing work will begin in December 2024 and should be completed by the end of January 2025. Results from this initial testing will then be used in designing the next phase of testing that will begin in January or February 2025. Updated plans for the second phase of testing will be shared with you at that time.
What safety measures will be taken?
All the testing will be monitored locally by the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Department. This testing program is being carefully designed so that it will cause no contamination of the air or underground waterways.
What are the long-range plans for this site?
For over forty years Barrios Unidos has provided culturally driven and spiritually informed services to youth and adults within our most marginalized communities. The Barrios Unidos site was purchased in 1997. The old existing buildings need replacement. Barrios Unidos is in the early planning stages for the redevelopment of the site to include both new program facilities and affordable housing. The development process will require several years of planning. We hope to be able to share initial plans with the community within the next year or so. It is our commitment to the immediate neighborhood to be transparent and keep you informed as we move slowly forward with redevelopment plans for the site.
How do I find more information? (see back page)
If you have any further questions, you are welcome to contact Barrios Unidos, the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Department, the Project Environmental Consultant, Trinity Source Group, Inc. through the following representatives:
Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos
David Foster, Project Manager
(831) 212-3554
Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Department
John Gerbrandt
(831) 454-2731
John.Gerbrandt@santacruzcounty.gov
Trinity Source Group, Inc.
John Gamble
(831) 426-5600
jg@tsgcorp.net
The State Water Resources Control Board also has a GeoTracker link where anyone can find the publicly available environmental information for the Subject Property. Here is the link for the Site:
https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/profile_report?global_id=T10000021288