Burns Square has parking challenges that are unique and different from the rest of our downtown.
For the people that live, work and visit this area there is a negative reality that our area has very little parking and what we do have does not support the volume needed. We have learned that our customers do not frequent our area as many times as they want simply because they do not want to struggle looking for a parking space. Ultimately we have fewer customers and over time this minimizes our business growth and stability. We want to help the businesses in our area thrive instead of losing them to areas that have more parking.
Burns Square has a shortage of available land with no options for growth beyond our area because we are surrounded by residential areas. Currently there are no properties available for purchase and even if available there are very few feasible for a parking structure. Per the City of Sarasota Downtown Parking Master Plan the Burns Square area is third in priority after Palm Avenue and State Street. Currently the city owns land in both of those areas for parking but nothing in Burns Square.
The Burns Square area was very excited at the purchase of the Dolphin Street location simply because it was the best possible location for the benefit of all. Positioned in the middle of the area someone could park in the parking garage and only need to cross one major street (Pineapple) to get the theater instead of having to cross two major streets (Pineapple & Orange). Another bonus was the structure for the garage could have been built and available relatively quickly for neighborhood parking.
Some ask, “why not the Michael Saunders lot?” At this time there is no contract with the city to provide parking for the area. The conversation is not closed and all parties are reviewing this option. The city is also looking into the land on the East side of Orange owned by the County but that is too small. Or why not behind the US Garage Building, owners willing or the Women’s Exchange? Possibly further down south on Orange Avenue? The residential Laurel Park and Palm Avenue do not want our overflow anymore. So where?
We will discuss the smaller properties being developed and their need to purchase off-site parking to encourage ground floor retail.
Chalk Festival www.avendiadecolores.com
Avenida de Colores "Floralia" May 2-3, contact: Denise Kowal 941-374-4790 for artist, sponsor and voulteer information
AVENIDA DE COLORES "FLORALIA" FESTIVAL - ARTISTS APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED/Volunteers needed
2ND ANNUAL BURNS SQUARE CHALK FESTIVAL - MAY 2 & 3 2009! For Information Contact Denise.kowal@mac.com
10 comments:
I really like the idea of finding some land that is south along Orange Avenue between Mound Street and before Pineapple starts. This way people can park before they enter the area and that puts less stress on the traffic that would run through the area.
I think the Women's Exchange should eventually be make into a park for the area so I would say no to a parking structure in that spot and it is right next to Laurel Park. The county building is plastered at one end of the area and that is not good for business. I like the location at Dolphin or also the suggestion by the previous post to put it along the south part of Orange.
This area will need a lot of parking if it has a goal to improve it retailing climate. Tons of good stores have relocated to other areas because they just could not take the lack of parking and complaints from their customers. Many retailers will not even consider this area unless the parking is increased drastically. I thought the Dolphin lot was a great idea and I never thought is was the only idea. The Kirk Pinkerton building was just purchased, why cannot the city pursue to get that land and do a really great parking structure there?
Also has anyone considered a really great park in this area. One of the whole sections in the middle could be make into a park. This would be really great for the whole city, preserve land, and provide a place for functions.
The area needs parking. I would think one of the first things the planner should study is places parking can be done. There is no time for speculation any more because everything is being bought up by developers and developers are only interested in making their project successful and really do not care about the city beyond that.
Any parking would be better than no parking. You need to just get the city to buy something before there is nothing to buy. Hopefully not right next to Laurel neighborhood.
This area totally needs parking! I would love to visit more but what a hassle the area is in the afternoon hours. Parking Priority!
I attended your neighborhood meeting this past Friday. Dick Sheldon said something that shows the area needs parking. When the facilitator asked how many people walked there was a raise of many hands but Dick said "I walked because I had to park so far away because I could not find a space." Also, Laurel Park spoke of the amount of people that park in their neighborhood from this area. I walked because I knew I could not find a space if I drove. Thank you for giving us the time to speak and I look forward to hearing about the suggestions you come up with.
How can we still be "talking" about parking. The commission teases us acting like they were finally going to invent in the area for parking and then pull out because it was too expensive? Was that the reason or what? It was hard by reading the paper to understand the reasons. How can they put a price on the businesses and their need for parking? I would assume the lots on Palm Avenue would not be cheep today but would still be necessary for that area. Parking should be the first thing the city does and it is long overdue.
What about getting the Women's Exchange to build a parking garage and charging to park there? This way they could earn more money for their scholarships and help the neighborhood because now they are just a burden on the area causing a lot of traffic. They do not even let you shop the area after you shop at their store, you have to take your car off the lot and find another in the area which is impossible.
The city needs to step up to the plate and purchase the Dolphin location. Each and every year the prices keep getting stronger because there is less land to play with, so what is the hold up? Please find us parking someplace and rally the troops again to get this accomplished. As a merchant it is very aggravating to have your customers always mad at you because they cannot find parking.
Post a Comment