Council members review changes on Old Town Goleta roads

GOLETA, Calif. – It's been more than half a year since the City of Goleta tried to improve safety and parking in Old Town Goleta.

The city added stripping, back-in parking and green paint on bike lanes.

They also reduced some speed limits in areas where drivers appeared to go too fast.

The parking changes are obvious to locals who drive Hollister.

But some people said they avoid the area if they are not stopping to shop or work.

Shoppers, business owners and operators  and the city's traffic engineers said there are pros and cons.

"It was hard to park when there is a lot of traffic because you feel like you are going to go into the traffic and if there were more cars I don't think I would have been able to make the turn and park," said Miriam Silva.

Silva was parked in front of La Chapala where butcher Joze Hernandez said it was better in the past but he does not think it has hurt the popular market.

Brennen Barrera of Goleta Bakery said people who park overnight hurt their morning coffee and donut businesses.

He said city council members have visited.

City of Goleta Traffic Engineer Derek Rapp said it was intended to improve safety and access to businesses.

"I know business overall is down without a doubt it has been down in old town as well that was never an outcome we were hoping for as part of this project it was supposed to be a revitalization project, but that is why we provided so much parking and tried to enhance things for pedestrians in the area and we are very hopeful that business will return." said Rapp.

There was a fatal pedestrian accident outside of a crosswalk after dark on Christmas Eve.

That's when Ricardo Hernandez, 76, died from injuries at the hospital.

One speaker said it was the first fatal pedestrian in the area in more than a decade.

Councilmembers learned from city staff data that safety has improved.

Second District Councilmember James Kyriaco said accidents are down and the the use of the area by cyclists and pedestrians is up.

"Car crashes are down, pedestrian and bike usage is up, it is a safer place for everybody, there are obviously things that we need to look at there's tings we need to listen to opeople about to see if we can improve on things." said Kyriaco.

City staff projected a 15 percent reduction in traffic and said they have only seen a 10 percent drop since July.

Some people may being cutting through neighborhoods, but not enough to pose a problem.

Old Town Goleta businesses make up for 23 percent of Goleta's sales tax revenue.

A majority of the money raised comes from auto sales and transportation.

If you deduct those, city staff said revenue is down 5.3 percent or $31,000.

However they said the overall dip aligns with regional and state downward trends during economic uncertainty.

Since the changes are only 7 months old, Rapp recommended revisiting a review down the road when they have a chance to collect more data.

Kyriaco suggested looking at again this time next year when they can also consider Project Connect roundabouts.

For more information visit https://www.cityofgoleta.org