Some architects say the community likes the idea of making temporary street closures in Santa Barbara to support businesses hard hit by coronavirus permanent.
The Santa Barbara Chapter of the American Institute of Architects did its own survey of nearly 5000 people. Their study shows that more than 90% of those polled like the idea of permanently closing parts of State Street to vehicle traffic for a promenade.
56% of those surveyed think the street can by shared by cyclists and pedestrians. Santa Barbara was one of the first communities in the region to allow restaurants to expand onto sidewalks and streets so they could meet coronavirus safety requirements.
The architects recently launched a project to reimagine downtown Santa Barbara, which was struggling even before the coronavirus crisis with a growing number of commercial vacancies. Their poll shows more than 60% surveyed think there should be more housing downtown.
