Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/122777
Sarasota News Leader April 19, 2013 Page 33 A report on all the findings should be ready in velopments are within a quarter of a mile of late May or June, Paul said. each of those potential stops. Regardless of the positive aspects of the city of Sarasota's density levels, Paul explained, parking and other issues will have to be addressed. "We're starting to put together a puzzle here to actually show what you have in place today could work," he told the boards. "That's not to say that there aren't more changes that are needed." Commissioner Nora Patterson — who served on the City Commission before running for Then Sarasota County Commissioner ChrisCounty Commission tine Robinson pointed — pointed out that out the major concern while the density levI hope it's something … that we all that arose from the els may be sufficient, board's joint meeting have the political fortitude to do. parcels along U.S. 41 with the Sarasota City "are very shallow. … Betsy Benac Commission on Feb. Commissioner If your parcel is only 5 was whether "there Manatee County 150 feet deep, there's [was] the political will not that much potento make those [landtial for development." use] decisions that have to happen" for a BRT "You raise very good concerns," Paul told her. system to be successful. Still, he said, the number of destinations along the U.S. 41 corridor — such as Ringling College of Art and Design and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota — also make that route more attractive for a BRT system. Moreover, he said, "There are a number of people that could easily walk a quarter of a mile to U.S. 41" to catch a bus. During presentations to the County and City commissions in January and February, Paul pointed out studies have shown that a quarter of a mile is the maximum distance people in Florida's weather can be expected to walk to catch a bus. City commissioners could not answer that question, she said. "I'm not sure that we have any other … information that really makes this [discussion] any different than when we last met with the City Commission," Robinson added. "You are correct," Paul told her. However, he said, the analysis that is due by June should have the necessary information from the City of Sarasota about whether it is interested in redevelopment along the U.S. 41 corridor, to make a BRT system more viable. As he had noted during the joint meeting with Paul also said staff is looking at nine potential the City Commission, Sarasota County Comstops for a BRT system in Sarasota County, missioner Joe Barbetta said he is a city resinoting that some townhouse and duplex de- dent. "I'm concerned about the fiscal survival