Planned Demolition of Stroke Center Moves Forward

The proposed demolition of the former Cabrillo Stroke Center and DeLaveaga Park inspired the most discussion at Tuesday's afternoon City Council meeting.

"It obviously has a rich history, but this building, I think, has come to the end of its useful life," said Councilwoman Cynthia Mathews, who in addition to Mayor Mike Rotkin was attending her final session before being termed out.

The council unanimously voted to move forward on authorizing the city manager to seek bids for the building's demolition and to approve $100,000 to cover the cost of bringing down the building. The council also approved a resolution to apply for a grant to pay for lead and asbestos removal from the site.

Ed Silvera, a lifelong Santa Cruz resident, argued that the building could serve alternate purposes, such as emergency services—especially because it is located adjacent to the county's private dispatch service.

"We had a pretty desperate situation in our neighborhood recently," he said referring to the escaped armed prisoner and pursuing manhunt that occurred two weeks ago.

But the council said that in light of reports from the chief building inspector, it would be too costly to pursue rehabilitating the building.

"Emergency services require an even higher standard of rehabilitation," said Rotkin.

"I don't believe that this building can be rehabilitated to make it meet the requirements for use."

Councilwoman Catherine Beiers said other uses were examined.

"I was so ready to jump on that building as a shelter for the homeless," she said. "Almost as soon as it closed, we stared having tours. I can't tell you how disappointing it is. It cannot be saved. It just can't be. I think we gave it our best shot."

Also Tuesday, the council took the following action:

• Moved to accept a nearly $1.8 million grant from the Office of Grants and Local Services to purchase and develop a park in the Lower Ocean Street neighborhood.
• Moved to accept a bid from North Bay Ford for six police patrol cars totaling $134,502.54.
• Approved a resolution appropriating $84,000 to fix the deteriorating Cowell's Beach Stairs.
• Approved a resolution to support the establishment of a Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve.