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Santa Barbara Approves State Street Overhaul Centering Pedestrians

The vote moves a 10-year, $48–$68 million redesign into commission hearings for further public review.

Overview

  • The City Council approved the State Street Master Plan in a 6-1 vote, with Mayor Randy Rowse casting the lone no vote.
  • The redesign widens sidewalks to about 30 feet on each side and adds two 10-foot center lanes for bikes, e-bikes and limited vehicle access.
  • The plan divides the corridor into three zones: an arts and culture district, a civic and commercial core, and an entertainment district.
  • City staff will now take the plan to the Historic Landmarks and Planning Commissions before bringing it back to the council for final action.
  • Speakers raised costs, fast e-bike safety, delivery access and missing downtown housing plans, a worry sharpened by a reported $4 million city budget gap.