BAYFRONT CONNECTIVITY
DISCUSSION ANNOUNCED
Sarasota, FL: Residents and business owners are invited
to attend a community design charrette, to offer their
input in connecting Downtown Sarasota to the Bayfront.
The meetings, spannning over five days, will include
the formal kick-off of an extensive study, a public presentation,
a public work session, an open house with community break-out
sessions and a closing presentation.
“The goal is to develop a pedestrian-friendly solution
for this project,” said Mayor Lou Ann Palmer. “Sarasota’s
Bayfront has remained a captivating centerpiece and landmark
for many years. It’s extraordinarily important to
make pedestrians fee
l comfortable getting from the Downtown
to the Bayfront. Right now, U.S. 41 is a barrier. So, the
question now is: what does the community think about connectivity?
We want people’s input. That’s why these meetings
have been scheduled.”
The City’s objective is to work
with consultants and the public to develop measures which
connect the Downtown
to the Bayfront, with an emphasis on pedestrian comfort
and safety. This goal will mean altering the character
of U.S. 41 and transforming it into a more pedestrian-friendly
road. During the eight month study, an action plan will
be developed which will guide the design and construction
of physical improvements along U.S. 41. The project will
focus on the public right-of-way on U.S. 41 between 14th
Street and Osprey
Avenue. Recommended improvements will
be designated as 
short term, with implementation occurring
within three years, or long term, taking place further
in the future. In October 2007, the City Commission directed
staff to prepare a request for proposals to connect the
Downtown to the Bayfront.
The charrette process includes opportunities for the
public to participate in working sessions with City staff
and consultants, and to help shape recommendations. “The
schedule was developed to encourage the public to participate
in creating solutions that allow the Sarasota community
and visitors to enjoy Sarasota’s beautiful Bayfront,” said
City of Sarasota Project Manager Steven Stancel.
The project consultant team includes: Trans Associates,
Inc.; Renaissance Planning Group, Inc.; HNTB; Adams Traffic,
Inc.; Bobb Marketing & Communications, Inc.; Hall Planning & Engineering
Inc.
For more information visit www.downtown.sarasotagov.com
Schedule of Events
What:
Public Kick-off Meeting/Announcement
of Project
When: Tues., October 14 6pm
Where: Sarasota City Hall (Live coverage on Access Sarasota)
What: Opening Public Presentation
When: Fri., November 14 7pm – 9:30pm
Where: Sarasota City Hall (Live coverage on Access Sarasota)
What: Public Work Session/Corridor Field Review
When: Sat., November 15 9am – 11:30am
Where: Sarasota City Hall
What: Open house and Break-out Sessions
When: Mon., November 17 4 – 7pm
Where: Sarasota City Hall
What: Closing Presentation
When: Tues., November 18 7 - 8:30pm
Where: Sarasota City Hall (Live coverage on Access Sarasota)
