Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/157038
Sarasota News Leader August 23, 2013 "The question mark is what," Warner said. Page 30 "So there is some urgency now," Warner said. Whatever fills the multi-lane roundabouts will At Monday's City Commission meeting, comhave plenty of space. missioners also heard from supporters of While the Five Points roundabout is about 45 roundabout sculptures on the North Trail. feet wide, those on U.S. 41 will be 100 feet wide, said Phil Smith, a landscape architect with David W Johnston Associates, a firm working with the city on the structures' design. Former City Commissioner Ken Shelin said he felt there should be a connection between the roundabout sculptures on U.S. 41. "The Tamiami Trail should be a gateway," he pointed out. "There should be a theme if posAny public art in the roundabouts should be planned in a way that does not encourage peo- sible, a unity and cohesiveness." ple to walk out to view the art in closer detail, Setting aside $500,000 to $600,000 for each said City Engineer Alex DavisShaw. Another sculpture on U.S. 41, the overall budget would challenge is to install art that does not distract run an estimated $2.5 million to $3 million, drivers. Hoffman said. A NEW FOCUS "The trick is putting the pieces of the puzzle The first roundabouts to be built — and the together," Hoffman told the commissioners. first that could see public art — will be those Jim Shirley, executive director of the Arts and at the intersections of U.S. 41 and 10th Street and U.S. 41 and 14th Street; along with the Cultural Alliance, which serves as the public smaller roundabout at Main Street and Orange art advisory committee for the county, said the art could become a big asset to the area. Avenue. FDOT has begun the design process for the "It can help brand this community even further," Shirley noted. % pair on U.S. 41. City Commissioners listen to various roundabout aesthetic options at the regular City Commission meeting Monday. Photo by Roger Drouin