Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/105484
THE STREETCAR NAMED 'DESIRE' In the not-too-distant future, a new streetcar or bus system might be offered in downtown Sarasota. Photo by Norman Schimmel DID MEMBERS HEAR DISCUSSIONS OF THE POSSIBILITIES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH RESULTING FROM THE CREATION OF A DOWNTOWN CIRCULATOR By Stan Zimmerman City Editor As part of a mobility study, the City of Sara- "It's 20 percent about moving people and 80 sota is considering laying down rails for a percent about economic development," said streetcar route in and downtown business around downtown. On owner Forrest Shaw. Tuesday, Jan. 22, the It's 20 percent about moving "Streetcars create Downtown Improvepeople and 80 percent about economic transit corridors that ment District members attract development development. heard consultants say that creates a measurstreetcars are more able return on investForrest Shaw Business Owner than just a way to get ment." Downtown Sarasota around. Shaw is part of the The streetcars are just Sarasota Streetcar Inione aspect of the study, which includes buses, tiative, which has studied and promoted the bicycles, pedestrians and even baby buggies. idea for the past four years. It is a trendy idea. But streetcars caught the district members' Fort Lauderdale is building a streetcar system, and Tampa's is in operation. attention like nothing else.