SLPP redevelopment

The San Lorenzo Park Project (SLPP) was undertaken by the newly-created Santa Cruz redevelopment agency following the December 1955 flooding of the San Lorenzo River. The SLPP ran in parallel with the flood control project that created today's river levees and the Branciforte Creek concrete channel. Within a rough square bounded by Front Street, Water Street, Ocean Street, and Soquel Avenue, the redevelopment agency acquired and re-parceled nearly all properties, razing all structures (only the post office and Veterans Hall remain). The SLPP continued until 1982, and remains the largest redevelopment project ever done in Santa Cruz County.

• Down By the Riverside