The Santa Barbara Harbor Commission has voted to continue exploring a proposal to convert 127 waterfront parking spaces at Chase Palm Park into an overnight recreational vehicle (RV) camping area. This is a pilot project expected to generate up to $348,000 in annual revenue, while balancing visitor access, neighborhood impact, and regulatory requirements.
The measure passed with a 6-1 vote during the Harbor Commission’s meeting on March 19. Commissioner Spenser Jaimes casted the sole dissenting vote.
Santa Barbara’s Waterfront Department had proposed the pilot project and is part of a larger effort to address projected budget shortfalls. Waterfront officials call the pilot as a potential long-term revenue source for the city if it meets its financial goals.
What The Pilot Project Aims To Do
The eastern half of Chase Palm Park has been selected for the pilot, in part because it is surrounded by city property, reducing potential impacts on nearby residents and hotels…