Goleta 7-24

Margaret Connell-Goleta’s first mayor and current Independent columnist-joins current City Planning Commissioner Ed Easton in announcing candidacy for Goleta City Council. Easton said he would keep the growth of Goleta slow and well-planned and would keep UCSB in check with the rest of the community, while Connell has expressed dismay at what she calls the current council’s pro-growth majority.

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The Goleta Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the Rincon Palms Hotel and restaurant for the northwest corner of the intersection of Storke and Hollister roads. Cortona Opportunities LLP, the developer that also owns land to the north of the parcel, originally considered turning the former Union 76 gas station into retail space, but a hotel was determined to have less local traffic impacts. The development is expected to bring $500,000 in tax revenue in its first year.