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Santa Barbara officials have unveiled a sweeping master plan to transform the city’s iconic downtown State Street corridor, pushing forward an expensive long-term overhaul while the upscale coastal city faces a $4 million budget deficit.

The 153-page State Street Master Plan is the result of nearly three years of planning and public outreach and covers the stretch from Gutierrez Street to Sola Street, reported KEYT.

According to the city, the plan divides downtown State Street into three sections: an arts and culture district, a civic and commercial core and an entertainment district.


  Santa Barbara officials have unveiled a master plan to transform the city’s State Street corridor, pictured here how it currently looks.
 Santa Barbara officials have unveiled a master plan to transform the city’s State Street corridor, pictured here how it currently looks.

  The redesign is supposed to create a more family-focused environment balancing pedestrian activity with vehicle access. City of Santa Barbara The redesign is supposed to create a more family-focused environment balancing pedestrian activity with vehicle access. City of Santa Barbara

Planners say the redesign is intended to create a more family-focused environment while balancing pedestrian activity with vehicle access.

The proposal includes wider sidewalks, more public gathering areas, outdoor dining opportunities, and retail flexibility, while allowing for limited vehicle traffic in certain sections with slower speeds and redesigned street layouts.

Pictures released by the city show blooming tree lined sidewalks, cyclists, dozens of new shops and carless streets.


  There will be three sections: an arts and culture district, a civic and commercial core and an entertainment district. Friends of State Street There will be three sections: an arts and culture district, a civic and commercial core and an entertainment district. Friends of State Street

  City officials also say the master plan aligns with nearby projects, including improvements to De La Guerra Plaza, the State Street undercrossing, and Library Plaza. Friends of State Street City officials also say the master plan aligns with nearby projects, including improvements to De La Guerra Plaza, the State Street undercrossing, and Library Plaza. Friends of State Street

City officials also say the master plan aligns with nearby projects, including improvements to De La Guerra Plaza, the State Street undercrossing, and Library Plaza.

Analysts say making these changes would cost the city millions of dollars per block.

Santa Barbara City Council leaders are expected to continue gathering public input before the plan moves forward for further review.

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