Permanent Roundabouts to be Placed

Concluding a cantankerous public debate about mini-roundabouts, the Santa Barbara City Council voted 6-1 to authorize a million-dollar construction contract to get three new, improved, and permanent roundabouts built on the upper Eastside as part of a broader traffic-calming strategy that also included 14 bulb-outs and 52 wheelchair ramps on curbs. The controversial mini-roundabouts were opposed by some motorists and supported by local residents. All, however, agreed that they were unattractive.