Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/341318
look at their properties and ours together," Mathes added. In its current proposed form, the project will likely spur plenty of comments when it comes before the Planning and County commissions. The neighborhood has been mobilizing. "We are certainly hoping the Planning Commission will listen to our concerns," said Sura Kochman. In addition to the lack of a buffer, Benderson's latest rendition of development for the site it purchased in 2005 incorporates a traffic plan that will encourage drivers to cut through the Pine Shores neighborhood, Kochman pointed out to the News Leader. "It affects everybody, the way they have that traffic pattern," Kochman added. Stickney Point Road already is backed up during daytime hours as people head to Siesta, especially in season. Kochman believes the design of the shopping center will encourage some customers to turn right from the planned exit at Glencoe Avenue and Stickney Point Road and then head onto Beechwood Avenue, meaning they will travel through the residential area before eventually heading back north on Tamiami Trail. "That will create a shortcut through the neighborhood to get back north on [U.S.] 41," Kochman explained. Linda Hunter says an increase in traffic can further muddle the already-congested inter- section, which Hunter calls the third worst in the county. Before the Florida Department of Transportation improved a 'No Turn on Red' situation at the Stickney Point Road/Midnight Pass Road intersection this spring, complaints swelled about traffic tie-ups and vehicles backed onto U.S. 41. Residents fear that after the Benderson development opens, the extra traffic will exacerbate the Siesta situation once again. File photo Sarasota News Leader July 4, 2014 Page 16