Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/157038
Sarasota News Leader August 23, 2013 Page 91 Siesta Seen Van Roekens was the person who suggested the need for better lighting of the crosswalks — especially in the vicinity of Daiquiri Deck and Gilligan's Island Bar & Grill — to enable drivers to see pedestrians clearly. He made that suggestion at a Siesta Key Village Association meeting in January 2012. The next steps include completion of the conceptual plan and finalizing the cost estimate; presenting a report to the County Commission with graphics as well as project element and cost details; and seeking direction to proceed with the expenditure. In a recent update for the county commissioners, James K. Harriott Jr. — the chief county engineer — reported the following: "Staff has surveyed the street and developed a concept plan that formalizes the parking along the street. That plan was presented to Commissioner Patterson on August 14, 2013. Staff also met with a concerned property owner." "We expect to provide you a written report by the end of August 2013," Harriott wrote. Once staff members have the go-ahead from the board, he said, they will meet with the ALSO MOVING AHEAD adjacent property owners to review the plan Yet another project seeing progress is the plan with them, then proceed with permitting — for more parking spaces along North Shell if ultimately needed — and the purchase of Road. materials. UNHAPPY OVER THE STORMWATER PROJECT Commissioner Nora Patterson — who lives on Siesta Key — has had a few recent email exchanges with both a property owner and the general manager at the Gulf & Bay Club, The conceptual plan, he continued, creates which stands adjacent to the site of the new about 20 spaces along the shoulder of the stormwater retention pond, next to Siesta Key road. Most are completely off the pavement. Public Beach. "Parking areas would be delineated with a On Aug. 15, the property owner wrote the folpost and rope barrier," he added. "The spaces lowing: may be filled with shell [to maintain them]. At this time the project is estimated to cost "Nora, we have previously corresponded via between $17,000 and $50,000, depending on email … [when] I expressed my opposition how much shell fill is used or needed." to many of the Siesta Beach renovations. In particular, I adamantly opposed the piping of He continued, "As a result of the meeting with storm water run-off into the Gulf water. the one property owner, staff will revisit the site and verify the location of two possible "Well my nightmare is coming true. Have you additional property access points and some been to Siesta Key Beach recently? More spenew landscaping." cifically, have you walked in front of the Gulf