Santa Barbara officials have unveiled a sweeping master plan to transform the city’s iconic downtown State Street corridor, pushing forward an expensive long-term overhaul while the upscale coastal city faces a $4 million budget deficit.
The 153-page State Street Master Plan is the result of nearly three years of planning and public outreach and covers the stretch from Gutierrez Street to Sola Street, reported KEYT.
According to the city, the plan divides downtown State Street into three sections: an arts and culture district, a civic and commercial core and an entertainment district.
Planners say the redesign is intended to create a more family-focused environment while balancing pedestrian activity with vehicle access.
The proposal includes wider sidewalks, more public gathering areas, outdoor dining opportunities, and retail flexibility, while allowing for limited vehicle traffic in certain sections with slower speeds and redesigned street layouts.
Pictures released by the city show blooming tree lined sidewalks, cyclists, dozens of new shops and carless streets.
City officials also say the master plan aligns with nearby projects, including improvements to De La Guerra Plaza, the State Street undercrossing, and Library Plaza.
Analysts say making these changes would cost the city millions of dollars per block.
Santa Barbara City Council leaders are expected to continue gathering public input before the plan moves forward for further review.
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