Chief Planner John Burg will present the Commission with policy recommendations that include the protection of the 129 acres of existing downtown parks, management of the urban forest and a process to improve the present streetscape design of downtown. “We all agree Main Street can be improved visually,” says Burg, adding that many existing plantings “look tired.”

The recommendations include a focus on street bulbouts with plants, flower beds and use of pervious surfaces. Bulbouts provide an opportunity for landscape improvements at intersections and mid-block locations. New designs would seek a balance between hard surfaces, plantings and (where appropriate) outdoor dining. “In the urban core, bulbouts are one of the few opportunities where you can provide visual plantings,” says Burg. Existing street trees will continue to be maintained.

Burg says the initiatives would create a more beautiful downtown, attracting shoppers and diners to Main Street and beyond. The redesign of the streetscape could be accomplished as part of a Business Improvement District (BID) with a partnership between the City and business owners to help with maintenance of the improvements.

The green space draft policies are the result of public input received at a workshop held in January. Over 120 people attended and provided their comments.

 

For more information, please contact:
John Nopper, Public Broadcasting Coordinator 941-954-4160
John.Nopper@sarasotagov.com