Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/180498
Sarasota News Leader September 27, 2013 ern boundary, taking away some of the space necessary for an Americans with Disabilities Act-complaint sidewalk. Benderson has agreed to construct an updated and signalized crosswalk to the southern portion of Vamo Road in lieu of the sidewalk. There is an existing sidewalk on that side of the street. Page 61 create maintenance issues, Mathes told the commission. As a result, to make construction of a sidewalk possible along the eastern side of U.S. 41, Benderson would have to donate a sliver of land to FDOT. That would require Benderson to remove 25 parking spaces from the However, the sidewalk along U.S. 41 has plaza plan, according to a memo from Mathes to the commissioners. proved more problematic. A ditch bordering the property makes con- "We don't have enough physical land," Mathes structing a sidewalk there difficult, according told the board. "We are sort of in a tight spot." to Mathes. UNSOUND LOGIC The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has told Benderson representatives they have to put in a sidewalk. But the state agency will not allow the developer to lay a pipe in the ditch so crews can build a sidewalk over the ditch. FDOT says that would The sidewalk dilemma on U.S. 41 spurred some disagreement on the County Commission. Mathes explained another concern: A sidewalk along U.S. 41 would direct pedestrians A representative of Benderson Development Co. LLC appeared before the County Commission this week to seek two sidewalk waivers for its Pelican Plaza project. Image courtesy of Sarasota County