In a move that will displace several renters and small businesses, the Santa Barbara Planning Commission on Thursday approved a downtown development aimed at transforming Chapala Street across from Paseo Nuevo
Approved in the plan are 8 condominiums that would sell for less than $324,000 and are designed for people who cannot afford to buy a home at the market rate in Santa Barbara.
The 21 other condominiums would sell for market rate and range from $600,000 to $1.2 million. Right now, there are six small studios at the site, 721 to 739 Chapala St that are about 450 square feet and rent on a month-to-month basis for about $650 a month