San Jose Creek Path Project Moves Forward in Goleta!

Great news for Goleta (and the region):  The Mayor and City Council members at a special public hearing (continued from September 20^th) voted unanimously to approve the Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration and Development Plan for the San Jose Creek Multi-Use Path project, paving the way for the project to continue forward to next phases of design and Right-of-Way analysis. This allows the City meet deadlines to secure the project’s nearly $18 Million in State Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funding.  The Public Works staff and project team delivered an impressive update presentation with clear and comprehensive environmental study findings and project cost information that answered all pending questions raised by Council members at the 9/20 hearing.  We thank City staff for all their diligent and responsive work, and HUGE THANKS to all those who joined the Council meeting in person, remotely via Zoom or wrote City Council to give their public comments in support of this truly transformative project that will bring safer and more equitable access across the Goodland community, connecting neighborhoods and breaking through the divisive barrier of Hwy 101 and the railroad tracks. More opportunities for public input and comment will be available as the project moves through its next phases of design review.  While it will take some time before we see the San Jose Creek Multi-Use Path fully completed, this vote represents (in the words of ouncil member Roger Aceves) the City’s commitment to see the path to completion.