APTOS — An affordable housing proposal now in its formative stages could also pave the way for a long-sought park in the Seacliff neighborhood.

South County Housing Corp. wants to build owner-occupied affordable housing on the corner of McGregor Drive and Searidge Road on 1.7 acres. As part of that plan, the nonprofit housing corporation would turn over the remainder of the 3-acre site to the county to build a park.

"It seems like our only option, really," said Supervisor Ellen Pirie, whose district includes the area. "I would have liked a 3-acre park, but at least we get a park."

Just what the housing end of the plan would be remains to be seen, said Jan Lindenthal of South County Housing.

"There needs to be some joint planning with the parks department, the community and South County Housing," Lindenthal said.

She said the aim is to build townhomes similar in architectural style to a complex under construction on an adjacent plot by her group, as well as the style of Corralitos Creek Apartments in Freedom.

Pirie said she would like to find some way to direct those for-sale units to teachers, though how that would work and if it is possible needs to be examined.

To make the plan work, it would need a zoning change approved by the county Board of Supervisors and the state Coastal Commission. The matter is scheduled for the supervisors Jan. 25 agenda when Pirie will ask board colleagues to direct the Planning Department to initiate those changes.

Also, South County is seeking a loan from the county's housing division to buy the property. The amount was unclear Friday.

For years, Seacliff residents have lobbied for a playground-style park to be built in the area, and the parcel where the park would be was the lone remaining vacant one. A group formed called Seacliff Needs a Park campaigned and even raised money for the effort.

While the area can boast attractions like Seacliff State Beach, park proponents say there is no playground-style park in the vicinity for children.

In May, Seacliff voters rejected a plan to tax themselves at $98-per-parcel annually for 30 years to buy the whole 3 acres. The measure needed a two-thirds majority vote and fell short at 62 percent. That measure would have raised $1.8 million to fund the purchase of the property.

"I'm disappointed we didn't get the 3 acres, but I'm pleased there will be a place for kids to go," said Seacliff resident Rick Stoker. "At least moms and dads with strollers will have a place to go."

In all, the vacant plot of land totals about 9 acres, all of which was at one time owned by Silicon Valley hotelier Vim Kumar.

South County Housing is building a 39-unit affordable apartment complex on a portion of that land and St. John The Baptist Episcopal Church is planning a new building on the piece of land just off the State Park Drive exit of Highway 1.

Across the highway, South County Housing is part of an effort to build 92 affordable rental and owner-occupied units on the old Par 3 site, while Standard Pacific Homes would build 228 market-rate houses.

That plan is still winding its way through the approval process and requires an environmental review and a zoning change.

Contact Brian Seals at bseals@santacruzsentinel.com.