COMMUNITY INVITED TO
DISCUSS NORTH TRAIL OPTIONS

Sarasota, FL: What are your thoughts about North Tamiami Trail? What, if any, zoning changes are needed to breathe new life into the area? The City of Sarasota wants your input. You’re invited to attend and participate in a stakeholder meeting regarding the revitalization of the North Trail, Tues., August 7, 2007 at 6pm at the Sudakoff Center on the New College campus, 5845 General Dougher Place.

The North Trail, also known as U.S. 41, extends from 10th Street to the south, up to University Parkway to the north. City staff will provide a zoning overview for that area. Also, a panel comprised of North Trail residents, merchants, and commercial property owners will discuss the benefits of revitalizing the North Trail, and how existing challenges could be addressed. “The goal of the meeting is to attempt to establish common ground between all North Trail stakeholders to determine what types of changes, if any, should be made to the zoning code and at what areas along the North Trail,” said Ryan Chapdelain, Chief Neighborhood Planner. “Possible changes could involve height, density and design standards along the Trail,” said Chapdelain.

People attending the meeting will be asked at the conclusion to complete a five question survey regarding possible zoning modifications. “This is an opportunity for citizens to provide input to the City and explain what changes they feel are necessary to catalyze redevelopment along the North Trail,” said Chapdelain. The survey results will be analyzed by City staff, then reported to the City Commission, which would consider any potential zoning changes.

This stakeholder meeting is the result of the Innovation 41 concept plan, which was completed last year and provides a new vision for the North Trail. One initiative within the concept plan calls for re-evaluating zoning regulations to promote redevelopment on the North Trail. A myriad of organizations were involved with the Innovation 41 concept plan, including: the City of Sarasota, Sarasota County, Manatee County, Ringling School of Art and Design, FSU/Ringling, USF, New College and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

For more information contact the Neighborhood Partnership Office: 954-2612.

 

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com