The mood is about to change.

City crews worked hard Tuesday tearing up the 500 block of State Street in Santa Barbara to build new, so-called “pedlets,” or sidewalk extensions.

All of the outdoor dining tables and parklets that were along the street are now gone.

The idea is to widen the sidewalks and move outdoor dining out of the street and closer to the actual restaurants. Pedestrians now can walk on the new, elevated pedlets, which are also ADA-accessible.

It’s the latest move by the city as it continues its slow roll toward overhauling Santa Barbara’s downtown core.

City sources told Noozhawk that the plan is reopen State Street to vehicles in one direction going north later this year, as officials work on the State Street Master Plan. UPDATE: City Administrator Kelly McAdoo told Noozhawk on Wednesday afternoon:

“There is no proposal to open State Street at this time,” McAdoo said. “We are remaining consistent with Council direction from last fall to keep the street closed.” 

Such a configuration would allow for pedestrians, bicyclists and outdoor dining — the trifecta of wants from various factions throughout the community.

Aron Ashland, the owner of The Cruisery at the corner of State and Haley streets, said he likes the plan in general, even if it’s not great for his business. In his case, he had about 38 outdoor seats, but that number will go down to 12 to 14.

He said he may have to close for lunch or early a couple of days a week.

Ashland said there has been “very little” communication from the city.

“I think (City Administrator Kelly) McAdoo is a champ for pushing for this, but I think the execution could leave a bit to be desired, but that’s probably on staff at some level,” Ashland said. “My fingers are crossed that it feels better and different, and the city puts stuff in the street to slow the bikes down, but we’ll see.”

The cost to add the extenders to the block is about $528,170.

“I am optimistic about the pedlets on the 500 block of State Street,” Councilwoman Meagan Harmon said. “This will allow restaurants to continue their expanded dining and also allow pedestrians to experience this portion of State Street in a new way.”

Harmon said the city has made incremental progress to State Street and that the pilot program continues efforts to revitalize the corridor.

“Our residents deserve action, and this path allows us to try something bold and new,” Harmon said.