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More than three years after much of State Street in downtown Santa Barbara was turned into a one-size-fits-all pedestrian promenade, some bold new changes may be afoot.

According to a set of recommendations headed to the City Council on Tuesday, the 500, 700 and 800 blocks of State Street could become pedestrian-only zones and vehicles might be allowed in the 1200 block for drop-offs and pick-ups in front of The Granada Theatre during performances.

The suggestions are from the State Street Interim Operations Ad Hoc Committee, made up of Council members Oscar Gutierrez, Mike Jordan and Kristen Sneddon.

The ideas also include a “deep cleaning” of the State Street Master Plan footprint and a “small, accessible, people mover,” such as a golf cart, at least two days a week, with on-demand service.

“I am pleased to be finally discussing the suggestions brought forth by the subcommittee,” Mayor Randy Rowse said. “The items coming forward are a solid start to launching some interim changes in the near future.”

He said he would like to see shuttle service on State Street, but that he’s not sure if opening the street to vehicles only for shows will work.

“The direction we give to staff will help tee up the next set of discussions as we try to dovetail ideas with practical realities,” Rowse said.

State Street has been mired in controversy since the summer of 2020 when the city rushed to close nine blocks to vehicles.

Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, city staff prohibited cars and trucks between Haley and Sola streets to allow restaurants to install outdoor dining structures in the street.

But the pandemic has passed and the community appears to be divided over the future of State Street.

The city hired MIG, a Berkeley consulting firm, to oversee the State Street Master Plan effort, at a cost of $800,000.

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Those ideas are big and long term, and involve possibly eliminating the curbs and flattening the street, with separated bicycle and pedestrian pathways, and the permanent elimination of vehicles.

In the meantime, the ad hoc committee and the Historic Landmarks Commission are looking at short-term changes to the street.

While some city staff and anti-vehicle activists have delighted in the closure, Rowse, many State Street property owners and some retailers believe that closing the street to vehicles unfairly benefits restaurants over other businesses.

Bob Stout, the owner of the Wildcat Lounge at 15 W. Ortega St., and a longtime downtown bar and restaurant advocate, said the subcommittee took its role seriously, meeting with as many as 25 or 30 business owners.

“The ad hoc members — like a lot of us, I think — want to see some trial programs like drop-offs for the elderly at The Granada, reduced speed limits on the cross streets, maybe a two-block bike dismount zone,” he said. “Trials. Nothing necessarily permanent.

“I’m hopeful the entire council will be able to be a little bit more nimble when it comes to trying some things.”

The council will consider whether to accept and implement the recommendations when it meets at 2 p.m. at City Hall, 735 Anacapa St.

Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at [email protected].