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Council approves Milpas Street crosswalk safety project and CEQA notice of exemption over objections
Summary
The City Council voted 4–2 to adopt a CEQA notice of exemption and proceed with the Milpas Street crosswalk safety and sidewalk widening project. Two council members voted no and public commenters warned a broad exemption could have unintended consequences for other circulation changes.
The Santa Barbara City Council voted April 15 to approve the Milpas Street crosswalk safety and sidewalk‑widening project and adopt an environmental determination as a notice of exemption under CEQA.
The motion, introduced by Council Member Jordan and seconded by Council Member Harmon, passed 4–2; Council Members Santa Maria and Sneddon voted no and Council Member Eric Freeman was absent. Public commenters raised concerns about using a CEQA exemption for a project that could have wider circulation impacts if other work is later folded into the same exemption.
Why it matters: Supporters of the project described it as a safety improvement for the Milpas corridor. Opponents and one public commenter warned that a broad CEQA exemption could be interpreted to allow additional circulation changes without full environmental review, citing past examples of street redesigns that expanded beyond initial descriptions.
Public comment: Christine Neuhauser (speaking earlier on the tree item) returned to raise concerns about the scale of unreviewed circulation changes and their unintended consequences. Another commenter who identified herself as a resident worried that exemptions can be sweeping and lead to unanticipated changes to traffic and bike lane configurations.
Outcome and next steps: The council approved the staff recommendation and staff will proceed with project implementation under the notice of exemption. Council Member Sneddon stated she would vote no because she preferred CEQA review to hear broader public input.
