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S.B. Leaders Launch Major Planning Update |
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By Melissa Evans
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Wednesday, June 13 2007 |
Santa Barbara leaders officially launched the start of a massive planning update that will guide city growth for the next 20 years.
Mailers have gone out to residents with invitations to "Plan Santa Barbara" workshops and a Web site has been established to get public input about what's called the "general plan."
 Mayor Marty Blum and key planning officials held a press conference. SBNMayor Marty Blum and key planning officials held a press conference. SBN
“We enjoy a long legacy of civic involvement,” Blum said. “Citizens have always been involved in planning this city.”
The general plan, a lengthy state-required document, addresses often contentious issues such as what can be built where and what requirements may be imposed on homeowners and developers.
The plan also includes elements that look at transportation, open space protection and environmental issues. Santa Barbara’s current plan was enacted in 1980 and will expire in 2010; the new plan will last through 2030.
The press conference was held at Casa De Los Fuentas, a low-income housing development built two years ago. It is an ideal project, leaders said -- located centrally downtown at Carrillo and Castillo streets, residents there pay low rent and can walk to work downtown.
“It’s also an example of the kind of design that can occur even with low-income projects,” said Paul Casey, director of Community Development for Santa Barbara.
Transportation and housing are the two biggest issues to be addressed -- and they are often the issues that draw the biggest crowds at Planning Commission meetings, said John Jostes, a former commissioner who spoke to reporters.
“We hear strong opinions every week (at meetings),” he said. “This is the opportunity to voice those concerns.”
One of the controversial issues likely to emerge early in the general plan discussion is a proposed cap on the height of buildings downtown, an idea floated by City Councilman Brian Barnwell and former planning commissioner Bill Mahan.
The "Plan Santa Barbara" discussions will also address next year’s expiration of Measure E, a ballot initiative limiting the amount of commercial development in Santa Barbara.
More information about the general plan and dates for workshops can be found on the city’s Web site, www.YouPlanSB.org.
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