Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/132206
Sarasota News Leader May 24, 2013 Page 43 Merkle continued, "We pay high property taxes with the expectation to enjoy a good quality of life, which includes safety as we use our properties." Finally, she said, "I do understand the value of business and tourism and the need for a shared effort as we grow our community," noting she has been the executive vice president of the Venice Board of Realtors for more than 30 years. Nonetheless, Merkle told the board, some type of parking restriction needs to be put in place "to guarantee two open passable lanes of use …" Transportation Planning Manager Paula Wiggins addresses the County Commission. Photo by Norman Schimmel Luckner emphasized that last point: "It's a safety issue for the residents, the business of Siesta Key or Sarasota County to begin reowners and especially for everyone that uses moving parking spaces from the key, particuthat street." larly those that surround our beaches and our commercial districts," he said, unless parking Shay had measured the road, Luckner pointed areas can be created to replace them. out. The width ranges from 20.5 feet to 22.5 feet, she added. The SKA had checked with According to an exchange of email among the county fire marshal, Luckner said, and Patterson, Luckner and Cooper — a copy of he had confirmed that an emergency vehicle which the News Leader obtained — Patterson needs 20 feet of unobstructed passageway. made certain on May 20 to alert Cooper to the fact that the Avenida de Mayo request would She also noted that Avenida de Mayo has no be on the commission's agenda the next day. streetlights, which exacerbates the problems "Have the chamber and the Village Associafor residents and other people trying to use it tion been aware of this?" Patterson added in at night. her email to Cooper. "This street was not designed to be a parking The News Leader learned of Merkle's petition lot," Luckner told the board. during the March 5 meeting of the Village AsThe only person who spoke against the peti- sociation, when board member Mark Smith tion on May 21 was Kevin Cooper, executive provided information about it. director of the Siesta Key Chamber of ComShay, who represents the SKA at the Village merce. He told the board he was representing Association meetings, stressed to the News the Siesta Key Village Association as well. Leader on May 21, "This is not the residents "It is not the opinion of the business commu- versus the businesses. This is a safety issue. nity on Siesta Key that it is in the best interest Strictly safety."