Santa Barbara Tenants Union opposes displacement from new development on East Gutierrez Street

Concerns over a proposed development project in Santa Barbara took center stage at the Planning Commission meeting on March 20, 2025, as residents voiced strong objections to the potential displacement of long-standing community members. The project, which aims to build 90 housing units on East Gutierrez Street, has sparked fears of gentrification and the loss of the city’s unique character.

Local activist and Santa Barbara Tenants Union organizer Emma Hanlon highlighted the plight of the eight households currently residing at the site, emphasizing their deep-rooted connections to the community. “These are not just numbers; they are lives, gardens, and neighborly relationships,” Hanlon stated, urging the commission to recognize the human impact of their decisions.

Ernestine DeSoto, a Chumash elder and longtime resident, shared her personal story, expressing her distress over the threat of eviction. “I need to stay near my daughter. I’ve been here for 10 years, and I’m comfortable here,” she said, reflecting on the city’s changing landscape and the challenges faced by its elders.

Residents raised concerns about the project’s scale, with many arguing that the four-story design is incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood of single-story homes. “It looks like a giant apartment building dropped in from Los Angeles,” one speaker remarked, questioning the project’s fit within the community’s character.

Traffic and parking issues were also hot topics, with critics pointing out that the proposed 69 parking spaces for 90 units would likely exacerbate existing congestion. “You can’t expect people to bike to work when they’re making $23,000 a month in rent,” said Paul Fletcher, a local landowner.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the community is deeply divided over the project. While some see it as a necessary step towards addressing housing shortages, many residents fear it will lead to further displacement and the erosion of Santa Barbara’s unique cultural fabric.

The Planning Commission is now faced with the challenge of balancing development needs with the preservation of community integrity, as they consider the implications of this significant project. The outcome of this debate could shape the future of Santa Barbara, making it a pivotal moment for the city and its residents.