State Street Promenade Pilot Program gets green light to continue with new Granada drop-off and pick-up spot

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-The Santa Barbara City Council spent the afternoon considering its options regarding the State Street Promenade Pilot Program.

Before voting 5-2 to continue the 8 block closure council members heard hours of public comments for and against the street closure.

Eric Friedman and Mayor Randy Rowse voted in favor a hybrid version of the promenade that lost before voting no on the final motion that passed 5-2.

Friedman said he thinks as two block closure would be more successful than 8 blocks.

He said spoke to officials in Boulder, Colorado where the Pearl Street Mall is located.

Councilmember Kristen Sneddon proposed the motion that gives the city flexibility.

She said it will rotate Monday cleanings to areas that are used the most.

It will also explore the addition of micro-mini transit on State Street.

The motion also works toward restoring MTDs circular and Waterfront service.

When speakers said the Granada Theatre had lost season ticket holders due to the lack of easy access the council took a vote.

"The Granada motion was unanimous to allow for one-way car traffic heading North between Anapamu and Victoria, to allow for drop-off and pick-up in front of the Granada Theatre," said Sneddon.

The council also passed an ordinance to give flexibility to try pilots that welcome input.

Some council members said they want to hear what the State Street Advisory Committee comes up with next year.

That committee is expected to return with a plan between January and April of 2024.

This is not the first time the city council has taken up parklet and promenade issues during a marathon meetings.

Mayor Randy Rowse said it is the fifth time they have debated opening and closing State Street.

Some people said they think the promenade is helping restaurants with parklets at the expense of retail.

They long for certainty that will help businesses that are not in prime promenade locations.

For more information visit https://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov