HISTORIC DISTRICT - BURNS SQUARE
Is it just the owners of Burns Square that find it amusing that the Downtown Partnership is organizing to request the City Commission to designate a historic district without including Burns Square?
We have talked with the Partnership a few times about this and they still seem to exclude us. If there is a place the locals call a historic district, it would be Burns Square. Regardless, I think Burns Square should look into this and stay attuned to the Partnerships agenda on this one.
We have talked with the Partnership a few times about this and they still seem to exclude us. If there is a place the locals call a historic district, it would be Burns Square. Regardless, I think Burns Square should look into this and stay attuned to the Partnerships agenda on this one.
PINEAPPLE SQUARE - DEAL FOR WHO?
Several months ago the Burns Square Property Owners heard a presentation by the Pineapple Square developer John Simon at our monthly meeting and the overall feelings for the project were positive. The presentation contained very general information about the development and no financial details were offered or asked for. We are just learning what those financial details are and have many questions.
We are currently struggling with the amount of money and land that is being exchanged with the Pineapple Square developer for 350 public parking spaces. We did not hear any logical explanation on how this decision could be justified with the lack of support by the consultants, staff and appraisers. Burns Square certainly did not have this type of approval for the purchase of the Orange Dolphin property, which was to provide much needed parking for our area. Yet Burns Square had the support of staff and the consultants. Burns Square has also been operating, paying taxes and surviving the city's ups and downs for decades. In addition our 350 spaces would have been at least 5.5 million dollars cheaper than those in Pineapple Square, yet the commission stated Orange Pineapple was too expensive. Burns Square's need for parking also has the support of the parking consultants as outlined in the City of Sarasota Master Parking Plan and by Andres Duany in the City of Sarasota Master Plan 2020.
Burns Square has over 200 businesses employing over 1000 people contributing to our economic vitality. We have been paying our taxes in the good and bad years, sticking it out to help our city grow into a better community. For the past twenty years, Burns Square has drastically improved adding Banks, Restaurants, Medical offices, retailers, professionals, the busiest business in all of downtown, the Women's Exchange and brought back a theater to downtown in the 1980's, the Burns Court Cinema. We learned through our charrette process that the existence and growth of our businesses in Burns Square are restricted because of our lack of parking and yet our taxes, licenses and rents continue to climb. So we ask, how does the "new" development receive such an incentive so quickly, while there are so many unanswered questions while our area that has contributed so much over the years get turned down for a desperately needed parking structure?
The Burns Square Property Owners Association had one design request of the City Planning Department and the Pineapple Square developer, which was to keep the view open between the South end of Lemon and Pineapple Avenues and Burns Square. The Downtown Master Plan has recommendations for liner buildings on the city owned property that surrounds the Mermaid Fountain at the intersection of Lemon & Pineapple Avenues, which would block off the view between Burns Square and Pineapple Square. We were happy to see that the proposal by the Isaac Group did not include the liner buildings and they suggested improvements to that park instead.
We hope for the success of the Pineapple Square project, we even support helping the developer financially unless it is at the expense of those already doing their part.
We are currently struggling with the amount of money and land that is being exchanged with the Pineapple Square developer for 350 public parking spaces. We did not hear any logical explanation on how this decision could be justified with the lack of support by the consultants, staff and appraisers. Burns Square certainly did not have this type of approval for the purchase of the Orange Dolphin property, which was to provide much needed parking for our area. Yet Burns Square had the support of staff and the consultants. Burns Square has also been operating, paying taxes and surviving the city's ups and downs for decades. In addition our 350 spaces would have been at least 5.5 million dollars cheaper than those in Pineapple Square, yet the commission stated Orange Pineapple was too expensive. Burns Square's need for parking also has the support of the parking consultants as outlined in the City of Sarasota Master Parking Plan and by Andres Duany in the City of Sarasota Master Plan 2020.
Burns Square has over 200 businesses employing over 1000 people contributing to our economic vitality. We have been paying our taxes in the good and bad years, sticking it out to help our city grow into a better community. For the past twenty years, Burns Square has drastically improved adding Banks, Restaurants, Medical offices, retailers, professionals, the busiest business in all of downtown, the Women's Exchange and brought back a theater to downtown in the 1980's, the Burns Court Cinema. We learned through our charrette process that the existence and growth of our businesses in Burns Square are restricted because of our lack of parking and yet our taxes, licenses and rents continue to climb. So we ask, how does the "new" development receive such an incentive so quickly, while there are so many unanswered questions while our area that has contributed so much over the years get turned down for a desperately needed parking structure?
The Burns Square Property Owners Association had one design request of the City Planning Department and the Pineapple Square developer, which was to keep the view open between the South end of Lemon and Pineapple Avenues and Burns Square. The Downtown Master Plan has recommendations for liner buildings on the city owned property that surrounds the Mermaid Fountain at the intersection of Lemon & Pineapple Avenues, which would block off the view between Burns Square and Pineapple Square. We were happy to see that the proposal by the Isaac Group did not include the liner buildings and they suggested improvements to that park instead.
We hope for the success of the Pineapple Square project, we even support helping the developer financially unless it is at the expense of those already doing their part.
TO ARCADE OR NOT TO ARCADE IS NO LONGER A QUESTION
Last evening, January 23rd, the City Commission voted down the option of arcades and the ability to build habitable space above them. Mayor Servian, Vice-Mayor Atkins, Commissioner Palmer all voted against arcades. Commissioner Shelin was against arcades but did not vote for the language presented. They did discuss they would like to discuss this option at a later date.
Through our Charrette with Urban Planner, Ramon Trias, we learned that arcades would work and sometime necessary in Burns Square. I spoke at the Commission Meeting last evening to express the view of the Burns Square Property Owners Association. This is what I said:
"Good Evening, my name is Denise Kowal and I am speaking as President of the Burns Square Property Owners Association and as a property owner, resident and business owner in the City of Sarasota.I cannot speak with authority for the entire city but I can speak for the interests of Burns Square.
The Property Owners Association has invested tens of thousands of dollars in our process to create a long-term vision for development, which we hope to present to the City Commission, in an open public meeting sometime in March. Our vision includes arcades in some areas and we found in many cases they were not only completely appropriate in scale and effective but also necessary in Burns Square due to the current downzoning to DTC. The elimination of this option will drastically hinder our process that has been underway for months. We are quite proud of the work we have undertaken, our ability to work together with differences and create a shared vision that will benefit not only the businesses and property owners in Burns Square but the entire city.
We find it upsetting that the Burns Square Property Owners may not be recognized as responsible citizens, working diligently to grow their area into a wonderful destination with the possibility of arcades, should you rescind this option. We ask you to keep the possibility of arcades in the Master Plan and in the very least, keep them as an option that can be approved by the commission.
We hope you respect the work we have done and allow us the opportunity to present our vision before you deny it."
OWNERS SHARE PUBLIC SPACE VISION WITH LAUREL PARK
The Burns Square Property Owners Assoc. will be sharing its vision for public improvements for the Burns Square area with the Laurel Park neighborhood at the board meeting on Monday, January 9th. There are many issues that affect both areas such as pedestrian safety, parking and traffic. We will be speak about improvements the association will propose to improve public safety that will improve the quality of life for the many residents who walk, drive and Segway within or through the area. We will also discuss strategies, options and recommendations for public parking to eliminate the need for business people from Burns Square to use the streets of Laurel Park for parking. We also have ideas for Morrill, Laurel & Oak Streets, clearly defining the business area in Burns Square from the residential neighborhood of Laurel Park. We look forward to sharing our ideas with Laurel Park and hearing their input.
DESPERATELY BURNS SQUARE NEEDS PARKING
After a recommendation from Lance Stahl from the Trading Company, one of the Burns Square property owners, we started a petition requesting the city to purchase a location for a parking structure and it goes as follows:
BURNS SQUARE NEEDS PARKING DESPERATELY!!
PETITION To The CITY COMMISSION
I support the purchase of the lot on Dolphin Street and Orange Avenue by the City so they can build a parking facility for the Burns Square area. I feel this lot is centrally located within Burns Square making it an ideal location for a parking facility. I encourage the City Commission to move forward consistent with the Downtown Master Plan 2020 and The City Master Parking Plan and purchase the mentioned property with the TIF funds that were put in place for this purpose. It will never cost less!
End of petition
Signatures are being taken in the area shops. If you wish to support this effort, please stop by, if you can find a parking space and sign the petition. We already have over 200 signatures since December 21st.
Just kidding about if you can find a space. We do have on-street parking and some temporary parking locations. The temporary lot that is open to the public is on the East side of Orange Avenue just north of Laurel Street. We are also working on some other temporary lots that have not gone into construction yet. These locations are temporary and will be unavailable once developed. We thank you for your support.
BURNS SQUARE NEEDS PARKING DESPERATELY!!
PETITION To The CITY COMMISSION
I support the purchase of the lot on Dolphin Street and Orange Avenue by the City so they can build a parking facility for the Burns Square area. I feel this lot is centrally located within Burns Square making it an ideal location for a parking facility. I encourage the City Commission to move forward consistent with the Downtown Master Plan 2020 and The City Master Parking Plan and purchase the mentioned property with the TIF funds that were put in place for this purpose. It will never cost less!
End of petition
Signatures are being taken in the area shops. If you wish to support this effort, please stop by, if you can find a parking space and sign the petition. We already have over 200 signatures since December 21st.
Just kidding about if you can find a space. We do have on-street parking and some temporary parking locations. The temporary lot that is open to the public is on the East side of Orange Avenue just north of Laurel Street. We are also working on some other temporary lots that have not gone into construction yet. These locations are temporary and will be unavailable once developed. We thank you for your support.
PUBLIC PARKING STRUCTURE NEEDED
For the past 15 years the Burns Square area has been desperately pleading with the city to provide a public parking structure. We have had brief moments of excitement with possibilities such as the Verison lot and Dolphin lot but neither made it to closing with the city.
The Downtown Master Plan stated as a civic responsibility, parking is one of the three types of land uses that has to be purchased or reserved for the future of our Downtown. The Plan states the negative impact the current practice of requiring private developers to accommodate most, if not all parking on-site such as additional bulk and height of the structures and it reduces pedestrian life and civic vitality. It also states, Institutionalizing this one program will enhance the vitality of the Downtown and will control the creeping gigantism of recent developments. There are civic parking reservations for Burns Square noted in the Downtown Master Plan 2020.
The Downtown Parking Master Plan also identifies Burns Square. In fact tier 1 of the plan names three locations, Palm Avenue #1, State Street #2 and Burns Square #3. The city owns property on Palm Avenue and State Street and are actively working on those locations. The next priority in the Master Parking Plan is Burns Square yet the city still does not own any land in this area for a parking structure. The Burns Square area is also priority #5 and #6 out of 8 total parking location priorities in this report.
The Burns Square area has 20 acres of land with approximately 7 acres in different stages of development right now. There are only a few locations that will accommodate a parking structure therefore time is of essence. Burns Square needs the city to acquire something soon.
The Downtown Master Plan stated as a civic responsibility, parking is one of the three types of land uses that has to be purchased or reserved for the future of our Downtown. The Plan states the negative impact the current practice of requiring private developers to accommodate most, if not all parking on-site such as additional bulk and height of the structures and it reduces pedestrian life and civic vitality. It also states, Institutionalizing this one program will enhance the vitality of the Downtown and will control the creeping gigantism of recent developments. There are civic parking reservations for Burns Square noted in the Downtown Master Plan 2020.
The Downtown Parking Master Plan also identifies Burns Square. In fact tier 1 of the plan names three locations, Palm Avenue #1, State Street #2 and Burns Square #3. The city owns property on Palm Avenue and State Street and are actively working on those locations. The next priority in the Master Parking Plan is Burns Square yet the city still does not own any land in this area for a parking structure. The Burns Square area is also priority #5 and #6 out of 8 total parking location priorities in this report.
The Burns Square area has 20 acres of land with approximately 7 acres in different stages of development right now. There are only a few locations that will accommodate a parking structure therefore time is of essence. Burns Square needs the city to acquire something soon.
WHEN WILL THE VISION BE SHARED?
We have been asked, "when will we share our vision that resulted from the charrette with the public?"
Hopefully soon.
Aside from the professionals who conducted our charrette who are paid to help us formulate our vision into a working document, we are all volunteers donating our time to accomplish a huge undertaking by creating a shared vision for the Burns Square area. Understandably a well organized presentation of this magnitude takes time.
We hope to be able to be on a City Commission agenda in the next couple of months presenting to the public our short term and long term visions. We do however have preliminary ideas and are willing to share those with neighborhood or business groups that would like us to speak at any upcoming meeting.
Some have confused our process with an institutional run charrette where not only is the institution the client but the public is as well since the fee is usually paid with public funds. The charrette we conducted had the Burns Square property owners as the client using private money therefore different processes applied to this than one funded with public money. Regardless, the Burns Square area invited the public and was pleased people took the time to come and express their ideas on how we can improve this charming area. We are excited to share our goals and hear feedback with those interested in our vision.
Hopefully soon.
Aside from the professionals who conducted our charrette who are paid to help us formulate our vision into a working document, we are all volunteers donating our time to accomplish a huge undertaking by creating a shared vision for the Burns Square area. Understandably a well organized presentation of this magnitude takes time.
We hope to be able to be on a City Commission agenda in the next couple of months presenting to the public our short term and long term visions. We do however have preliminary ideas and are willing to share those with neighborhood or business groups that would like us to speak at any upcoming meeting.
Some have confused our process with an institutional run charrette where not only is the institution the client but the public is as well since the fee is usually paid with public funds. The charrette we conducted had the Burns Square property owners as the client using private money therefore different processes applied to this than one funded with public money. Regardless, the Burns Square area invited the public and was pleased people took the time to come and express their ideas on how we can improve this charming area. We are excited to share our goals and hear feedback with those interested in our vision.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Pedestrian safety is a concern and we are addressing that issue in our recommendations for improvements to the Burns Square area. We are redesigning our crosswalks and adding several that currently do not exist along both S. Orange & S. Pineapple Avenues. We are also finding ways to increase the size of our sidewalks and number of on-street parking spaces. The intersections at Orange & Pineapple, Ringling & Pineapple and Ringling & Orange, Alderman & Orange have also been redesigned for a better pedestrian experience. We have also looked into ways to mark the transition from the downtown neighborhood to the residential neighborhoods. And of course our lighting is being installed to illuminate your walks in the evenings.
If you have any pedestrian safety concerns you want us to address please let us know.
If you have any pedestrian safety concerns you want us to address please let us know.
WEEKEND CHARRETTE A SUCCESS
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.
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.
YOU'RE INVITED TO ATTEND...
... one of a series of planning charrettes being conducted by the Burns Square Property Owners Association. We encourage you to attend if you have suggestions for improving the Burns Square community and its pedestrian experience. We are looking for ideas that will give us our own sense of place and enhance the qualities we already love about the area.
We have invited the Burns Square neighborhood, which includes all the business owners, tenants, merchants, employees and anyone who is in the Burns Square area on a fairly regular basis to attend a workshop from 8:30am to 10am November 4th, Friday morning. Since you work or live in the area we know you have incredible knowledge about the things that work, the things that do not and how things could be improved. We want to know what those things are!
We have invited the surrounding neighborhoods, and any neighbor that travels through or visits Burns Square. We highly encouraged our neighbors to participate in the workshop from 4pm to 6pm November 4th, Friday afternoon. How can we improve our area for you?
The charrettes will be held in the Garden Building on the second floor located at the corner of Laurel Street and Pineapple Avenue. If you would like to attend and have not been formally invited, we apologize and hope you participate in one way or another. Please let us know if you are interested in attending because space is limited but we will accomodate everyeone who has something to give. If you have an idea we want to hear about it.
We have invited the Burns Square neighborhood, which includes all the business owners, tenants, merchants, employees and anyone who is in the Burns Square area on a fairly regular basis to attend a workshop from 8:30am to 10am November 4th, Friday morning. Since you work or live in the area we know you have incredible knowledge about the things that work, the things that do not and how things could be improved. We want to know what those things are!
We have invited the surrounding neighborhoods, and any neighbor that travels through or visits Burns Square. We highly encouraged our neighbors to participate in the workshop from 4pm to 6pm November 4th, Friday afternoon. How can we improve our area for you?
The charrettes will be held in the Garden Building on the second floor located at the corner of Laurel Street and Pineapple Avenue. If you would like to attend and have not been formally invited, we apologize and hope you participate in one way or another. Please let us know if you are interested in attending because space is limited but we will accomodate everyeone who has something to give. If you have an idea we want to hear about it.
PARKING NEEDED
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.
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.
UPCOMING CHARRETTE - SUGGESTIONS WANTED
This blog was set up by Denise Kowal, President of the Burns Square Property Owners Association as a tool to help us gather suggestions for our area. Your suggestions will help us with our upcoming charrette scheduled in November, 2005. We are requesting constructive input and ideas that will help us create short term and long term visions for our unique Burns Square area.
For over a year we have been discussing the creation of a plan for our area. Several months ago we each contributed money to hired urban planner Ramon Trias to help us define a vision. Mr. Trias came highly recommended by Andres Duany who the City hired to created the Downtown Sarasota Master Plan 2020. Mr. Trias plans to collaborate with his staff architect Michael Carlson. Mr. Carlson has an office in Burns Square and was a partner in the firm that worked hand in hand with the Duany firm on the Downtown Sarasota Master Plan 2020. We graciously welcome anyone interested in volunteering to help us in this endeavor.
The Burns Square area starts at the intersection of US41/Mound Street and Orange Avenue and runs north on Orange & Pineapple Avenues to Ringling Boulevard including Burns Court/Lane, Rawls Avenue and the cross streets Laurel , Dolphin & Cross. We will be looking at every aspect of our district such as traffic flow, intersections, cross walks, curb cuts, parking and "suggestions" for architectural design. The intention of our plan is not to "police" anyone but create a cooperative vision that can be worked on over the years. We are requesting input from our neighbors, area merchants & professionals, elected officials, City and County staff and anyone else interested in contributing to our process in a positive way.
We look forward to hearing from you and gathering constructive input that we can incorporate into our vision.
For over a year we have been discussing the creation of a plan for our area. Several months ago we each contributed money to hired urban planner Ramon Trias to help us define a vision. Mr. Trias came highly recommended by Andres Duany who the City hired to created the Downtown Sarasota Master Plan 2020. Mr. Trias plans to collaborate with his staff architect Michael Carlson. Mr. Carlson has an office in Burns Square and was a partner in the firm that worked hand in hand with the Duany firm on the Downtown Sarasota Master Plan 2020. We graciously welcome anyone interested in volunteering to help us in this endeavor.
The Burns Square area starts at the intersection of US41/Mound Street and Orange Avenue and runs north on Orange & Pineapple Avenues to Ringling Boulevard including Burns Court/Lane, Rawls Avenue and the cross streets Laurel , Dolphin & Cross. We will be looking at every aspect of our district such as traffic flow, intersections, cross walks, curb cuts, parking and "suggestions" for architectural design. The intention of our plan is not to "police" anyone but create a cooperative vision that can be worked on over the years. We are requesting input from our neighbors, area merchants & professionals, elected officials, City and County staff and anyone else interested in contributing to our process in a positive way.
We look forward to hearing from you and gathering constructive input that we can incorporate into our vision.
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