State Street Advisory Committee shares agenda with community

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The State Street Advisory Committee met for the first time in the new year.

The committee is tasked with coming up with recommendations and input for the creation of a Stat Street Master Plan.

Members met in front a standing room only crowd at the Falkner Gallery in the Santa Barbara Public Library

They saw rendering of possible plans and talked about naming different blocks or districts.

The last meeting took place in October.

People have seen State Street change over the years and members of the public said they hope to see progress with the pedestrian environment between State Street and the Paseo.

Santa Barbara City Council Member and committee member Kristen Sneddon said It should be whimsical and fitting Santa Barbara like poetry on State Street.

Speakers said they want to make sure it is connected to mixed-use housing for young people and empty-nesters with transportation to make it environmentally friendly.

Many people suggested they study and learn from other communities with closures including Santa Monica and Boulder.

After hours of public comments and discussion street architect retired Fred Sweeney brought up the most pressing issue

Sweeney said the committee need to decide on mobility issue.

Once it is clear where cars bicycles and pedestrians fit into the plan more artists renderings and design images will follow.

Many committee members agreed that developers need some incentives to build housing that is lacking along State Street.

And they say business and property owners will need to do their part to make the area come to life.   

Committe members plan to meet in smaller groups before the next public input meeting.

Members plan to offer cohesive recommendations to the city for the creation of a State Street Master Plan by the end of year 

Sneddon said there a lot of work to do.

Your News Channel will have more on the the ideas shared tonight on the news.