Whole Foods in Santa Barbara is coming...
I give them great credit for doing some serious homework on how to integrate themselves within the community. Even GREATER credit for creating "mixed usage" in it's plan...and involving affordable housing, which is literally non-existant in this town of $1.2 million dollar median priced homes.
This project includes Creekside restoration and landscape plans which are designed to create a beautiful balance of landscaping and native habitat throughout both creek corridors.
The creek buffer/setback area will consist of re-vegetated natural areas and pervious surfaces. The amount of impervious surfaces along the creek corridors will be reduced by over 70%.
All storm water runoff from the developed portions of the site will be collected and treated in a state of the art Continuous Deflective System to remove pollutants.
In addition to mechanical filtration, the expanded creek setbacks will allow for increased bio- and geo-filtration which will enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and reduce the damaging effects of flooding.
The loading for Whole Foods Market and Circuit City will be in the subterranean parking area underneath Whole Foods Market and Circuit City, which will significantly reduce impacts to the creek as well as noise.
A pedestrian path around the rear of the property will allow the community to enjoy the beauty of the creek.
A 30 foot wide public parkway will be provided along State Street.
A proposed easement dedication to the City of Santa Barbara for a future pedestrian bridge which will link to Hope Street as well as pedestrian pathways will encourage pedestrian access.
The center will provide 42 bike parking spaces distributed throughout the property to encourage cyclists to enjoy the proposed development.
The project will include 2 affordable housing units and 13 market rate housing units.
Reduction of traffic intensive uses: A fast food restaurant will be demolished and a bank will be downsized.
I heard they will begin construction in 2010.
Posted by Anonymous | Mon Jan 08, 09:33:00 AM
I am anxioys for Whole Fodds to join us in Santa Barbara! Why is that soem just have to protest for the sake of protesting. This is a good company!! Just let it be!!
Posted by Anonymous | Thu Jan 11, 09:06:00 PM
I'm glad this is such a well thought out plan for Upper State. Hopefully Whole Foods will 'steal' some business from Lazy Acres and reduce the horrible impact of Lazy Acres on the Mesa.
Posted by Anonymous | Wed May 07, 03:17:00 PM