Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/107047
Sarasota News Leader February 1, 2013 Page 41 B. Paul, the county's interim transportation Old Bradenton Road, City Commissioner Paul planning director, said during a Jan. 30 pre- Caragiulo said at the time. sentation to the County Commission about its County Commissioner Nora Patterson said options. she had not thought of that route. "I have to Reid told the commissioners that when he met admit," she added, "I've been looking at the with FTA officials last summer, they made it project and wondering if we have chosen the clear to him that it was crucial for the County best corridor." Commission to decide whether it really wantHowever, discussion also focused on a U.S. 41 ed to pursue a BRT project. corridor and land-use issues. However, if the county chose not to go forward, he pointed out, "Once we're out of the After that meeting, Rob Lewis, then the counfederal funding cycle, we're out for a very long ty's director of planning and development services, told The Sarasota News Leader, "BRT time." is more than just a transit project. It is really When the city and county boards held a joint more about economic development." meeting on April 17, 2012, the BRT focus shifted to using Old Bradenton Road instead of the With another joint meeting coming up on Feb. 5 with the City Commission, the county CSX Railroad right of way. commissioners on Jan. 30 indicated hesitancy "We would probably have better opportunity about proceeding with any BRT plan, given to capture future multi-family housing" along the potential expense. A graphic illustration shows major destinations in Sarasota County that could be linked by a bus rapid transit line. Image courtesy Sarasota County