AnonymousBy Jay Jacobson, Santa Barbara
I read the recent opinion article on edhat titled “State Street Meltdown” and felt like I needed to provide a more rational and balanced counter-argument from an actual resident of Santa Barbara.
State Street has long been hailed as the heart of our beautiful city. By transforming it into a car-free “promenade,” we have created an inclusive space for families, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Diners are able to enjoy a meal outdoors without the stench of exhaust or noise from suped up vehicles. While there is still work that needs to be done and decisions that need to be made, the groundwork has been laid to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that encourages social interaction and community engagement. People can linger at outdoor cafes, enjoy artistic street performances, and encourage the opening of local boutiques, establishing State Street as a true cultural hub.
Once the finals plans are decided, there will be significantly improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists. With fewer cars on the road, the risk of accidents and injuries are greatly reduced, creating a safe and inviting environment for all. A car-free State Street improves accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can navigate the city center with ease and enjoy all the amenities it has to offer. By prioritizing pedestrians, we demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and equal access for everyone.
This also presents a tremendous opportunity for local businesses to flourish. Studies have consistently shown that pedestrianized areas attract higher foot traffic and spending, with people more likely to leisurely explore shops and dine in local establishments. By creating an environment that encourages people to spend time on State Street, we can support small businesses, strengthen the local economy, and spark a sense of community pride.
Keeping State Street closed aligns with our city’s commitment to sustainability. Reduced vehicular traffic will result in lower carbon emissions and improved air quality, contributing to a healthier environment for residents and visitors alike. Encouraging alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking, promotes physical activity and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, taking crucial steps towards a greener and more environmentally conscious Santa Barbara. Plus, if you’re dying to drive downtown, there are plenty of other streets to navigate around these ten blocks.
By prioritizing people over cars, we can reinvigorate State Street, making it a vibrant, safe, and sustainable space for all to enjoy. Embracing this transformative change will not only enhance our city’s character and charm but also foster economic growth, improve public health, and showcase our commitment to a greener future.
Let us come together as a community and embrace this opportunity to shape Santa Barbara into a living example of urban revitalization and a shining model of innovative city planning.
Op-Ed’s are written by community members, not representatives of edhat. The views and opinions expressed in Op-Ed articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of edhat. [Do you have an opinion on something local? Share it with us at info@edhat.com.]
