Two Santa Barbara groups are rallying community support for opposing futures of State Street. One group proposes allowing limited vehicle traffic to support downtown businesses, while the other seeks to keep the street permanently car-free for pedestrians and cyclists.
On one side, the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) is advocating for a one-way traffic lane on State Street. The proposal is part of an interim plan that includes retractable barriers and designated areas for pedestrians and cyclists.
Limited vehicle access could help revive foot traffic and bring much-needed visibility to struggling businesses, the group said…