In no uncertain terms, the Santa Barbara Planning Commission rejected the plan to overhaul Paseo Nuevo, throwing a wrench into the city staff’s effort to cut a deal with the mall’s leaseholder.
Members of the commission called for a full stop on the city staff’s proposed idea to turn over the land underneath the mall to the developer as a way to sweeten the deal. They also objected to the location of the proposed affordable housing, calling it “undignified,” amid a litany of other concerns.
“This sounds like we are desperate,” Commissioner Brian Barnwell said. “I don’t ever remember such an ill-defined proposal coming in front of me. I am quite shocked.”…