Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/132206
Sarasota News Leader May 24, 2013 on a recommendation that addresses routine parking violations along Avenida de Mayo that potentially can make it impossible for an emergency vehicle to travel down the street. Page 40 Commissioners Joe Barbetta and Charles Hines were in the minority on the split vote; both agreed with Merkle and other speakers who voiced concerns about safety. That motion, by ComBarbetta also refermissioner Nora Patenced a point Merkle terson — a Siesta This street was not designed to be had made to the board: resident — also invit- a parking lot. "It's not fair for people ed more comments paying pretty substanCatherine Luckner from business owntial property taxes to President ers on the island and have this happening in Siesta Key Association it requested staff to their front yard," Barresearch the cost of betta said. "If we saw establishing a residential parking permit pro- cars that were there all day [in front of our gram for the affected area. homes], we wouldn't be very happy." The Siesta Key Association (SKA) had recommended parking permits for residents on the south side of the road as well as a parking prohibition on the north side of Avenida de Mayo and the erection of "Tow Away Zone" signs. However, Commissioner Christine Robinson pointed out that it is against the law to block a street. She also noted that the ban would "have a real heavy-handed effect on not just businesses but also on the local residents" Commissioners Joe Barbetta and Christine Robinson listen to remarks by Siesta Key Association President Catherine Luckner. Photo by Norman Schimmel