Lookout: Homeless Garden Project clears final roadblock to owning Natural Bridges Farm

Homeless Garden Project is one big step closer to owning its Natural Bridges Farm after a green light from Santa Cruz’s zoning administration on Wednesday morning. The zoning administrator approved the nonprofit’s application for a minor land division to separate the 4 acres that it has leased on Schaffer Road on the Westside since 1995 from a 10.3-acre parcel, and also OK’d design, coastal, administrative use and sign permits. It gave permission to construct five buildings on the site, including a farmstand, barn, greenhouses and fencing. The decision gives a clear path forward for the organization to purchase the lot from owner Ron Swenson, who has agreed to sell it for an undisclosed amount. It was the final major hurdle to overcome for Homeless Garden Project to establish the first permanent home in its 36-year history. Story HERE.