This past weekend was a huge success and we are actively working on all the great suggestions from those that attended.
The number one issue on everyone's mind remained our lack of parking. Over the past twenty years our retail climate has increased but we still find people moving out of the area because their clients cannot find parking spaces. Our area is listed as 3rd, 5th and 6th priority on the City of Sarasota Master Parking Plan. The City already owns land for the 1st and 2nd locations on the priority parking plan list. Time is not on our side on this issue.
Safety was a close second and we are working to redesign the intersections, cross walks, street parking and traffic speed. Mr. Trias had the Roundabout guru at our charrette and many were designed for our area. The city is currently installing our new lighting so this will certainly improve walking in the area during the evening hours.
Our surrounding neighborhoods are an important part of our vitality and we have come up with some suggestions for transitions. Laurel Park expressed concern with possible future development of the Women's Exchange or the Short Stop Convenience Store so that will be an ongoing conversation because there are no plans in sight for these locations.
We are working on thoughts for our own land and we are still at the beginning stages of these conversations. Many people expressed they liked the charm of the area and so do we. Please continue to give us input and suggestions on how we can improve our charm.
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
4 comments:
Can you list the options the neighborhood is considering for possible locations for a parking structure? It looked like the Dolphin lot was in the middle of the shopping area and would be the best choice. What other choices are there?
Parking someplace is better than no place so just pick a spot and go with it. We need parking now. How long does this area have to plea for parking?
We have not identified any location that is available at this time. We do have several locations marked which are large enough to consider. We apologize that we do not have any confirmed locations to report.
I was at the session that was for surrounding neighborhoods. I think it went well. The facilitator did a great job keeping people on task. I hope you make good progress with the property owners. Burns Square is an important part of Sarasota.
It was nice to see private money looking for public participation especially from us neighborhood types.
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