Solvang takes fight to California over famous street

Solvang’s postcard-perfect main street could soon become the city’s problem — and, officials hope, its opportunity.Leaders in the famed Danish-style village are taking the first step toward prying Mission Drive away from state control, arguing the California-owned roadway has left them stuck asking permission to make improvements in the heart of one of Santa Barbara County’s most recognizable tourist towns.The City Council voted Monday to begin exploring whether Solvang should take over the roughly 1.5-mile stretch of State Route 246 that cuts through the town, the Santa Ynez Valley News reported.The vote does not hand the road to the city.Instead, it launches what could be a yearslong review with Caltrans over whether the state would even consider giving Solvang control of the roadway, along with all the costs, maintenance duties and legal headaches that would come with it.The fight over Mission Drive comes during an unusually busy stretch of civic drama in the “Danish capital of America.”Solvang has already been divided by a controversial tourism app tied to Mayor David Brown, and officials have also floated replacing the city’s sheriff’s contract with patrols from nearby Lompoc police.Now, city leaders are turning their attention to the road that many visitors know best.Although Mission Drive functions as Solvang’s main street, it is controlled by Caltrans District 5 because it is part of State Route 246.That has left the city with limited power over everything from traffic lights and crosswalks to lane changes, street decorations and even its delayed camera pilot program, according to the outlet.Assistant to the City Manager Olivia Uribe-Mutal told council members the setup has made it harder for Solvang to act on its own traffic safety goals.

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