Goleta launches its Project Connect with several large improvements underway

GOLETA, Calif. – Project Connect is launching in Goleta, and with it will be multiple improvements taking place at or about the same time.

The city said it is a "comprehensive program to enhance pedestrian access and safety, improve road conditions and build critical linkage through Goleta while increasing stormwater flow capacity in San Jose Creek under Hollister Bridge."

For Goleta this is the largest capital improvement project to date. The work crosses over into joint areas with Caltrans, the City of Santa Barbara and the County of Santa Barbara.

Maps of the different project areas are provided by the city for the public to review on Hollister Ave., Ekwill and Fowler Road.

Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte led off a kickoff event and groundbreaking saying, "this area has had an above average transportation and pedestrian related  accident rate and this project is planned to support public safety here. "

Third District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann said, "at its heart it is more than just roads and sidewalk and infrastructure.  Its about fostering connectivity enhancing safety and especially the sense of belonging, the sense  of community here in Goleta and especially Old Town."

Goleta City Councilmember James Kyriaco said the need exists for. "a better pedestrian experience,  a safer bicycling experience, more parking and another east west route for vehicles. "This project keeps promises that were made we talked about this project as a 20 year city project but it keeps promises over 30 years ago the Goleta community plan in 1993."
To make this happen the city bought the old Mission Leasing auto site on Hollister Ave.

Goleta Public Works Director Charles Ebeling said, "it is going to be part of the roundabout and you will be  swooping right through here to get on the on ramp so it made sense to design the bridge and at least the roundabout at the same time.   That makes it all work together."

The public will see changes in Old Town with new striping and bike lanes.

These improvements bring together funding from several directions including the City of Goleta, The County,  Caltrans and the federal government which provided $34-million dollars - a third of the cost. Congressman Salud Carbajal said federal funds were coming in from different accounts including some of the last COVID relief money.

Kirsten Miler with the South Coast Chamber of Commerce said, "having that sense of belonging that  this is our downtown. This is where business thrives. Business here is already pretty good so the idea is to make it flow better and have more people be able to come downtown."

The City of Santa Barbara will also benefit from these improvements.    They are near the airport and the last report shows the growth of the airport passenger count will bring it to an excess of a million people a year on an annual basis.

In addition to the road improvements there will also be more landscaping and offsite mitigation. Approximately 125 new trees and 6,500 new shrubs will be planted at Lake Los Carneros and Ellwood Open Space.

For more information go to: Project Connect