This is your opportunity to shape the future of Tamiami Trail
{ US 41 } through downtown Sarasota.

Residents and business owners are invited to attend a community design charrette, to offer their input in connecting Downtown Sarasota to the Bayfront. The meetings, spanning over five days, will include the formal kick-off of an extensive study, a public presentation, a public work session, an open house with community break-out sessions and a closing presentation.

“The goal is to develop a pedestrian-friendly solution for this project,” said Mayor Lou Ann Palmer. “Sarasota’s Bayfront has remained a captivating centerpiece and landmark for many years. It’s extraordinarily important to make pedestrians feel comfortable getting from the Downtown to the Bayfront.
Right now, U.S. 41 is a barrier. So, the question now is: what does the community think about connectivity? We want people’s input. That’s why these meetings have been scheduled.”

The City’s objective is to work with consultants and the public to develop measures which connect the Downtown to the Bayfront, with an emphasis on pedestrian comfort and safety. This goal will mean altering the character of U.S. 41 and transforming it into a more pedestrian-friendly road. During the eight month study, an action plan will be developed which will guide the design and construction of physical improvements along U.S. 41. The project will focus on the public right-of-way on U.S. 41 between 14th Street and Osprey Avenue.
Recommended improvements will be designated as short term, with implementation occurring within three years, or long term, taking place further in the future.
In October 2007, the City Commission directed staff to prepare a request for proposals to connect the Downtown to the Bayfront. The charrette process includes opportunities for the public to participate in working sessions with City staff and consultants, and to help shape recommendations. “The schedule was developed to encourage the public to participate in creating solutions that allow the Sarasota community and visitors to enjoy Sarasota’s beautiful Bayfront,” said City of Sarasota Project Manager Steven Stancel.

The project consultant team includes: Trans Associates, Inc.; Renaissance Planning Group, Inc.; HNTB; Adams Traffic, Inc.; Bobb Marketing & Communications, Inc.; Hall Planning & Engineering Inc.

For more information visit http://www.downtown.sarasotagov.com/

All scheduled events for the Charrette will be located at Sarasota City Hall and open to the public….

Opening Public Presentation
When: Fri., November 14 – 7pm – 9:30pm

Public Work Session/Corridor Field Review
When: Sat., November 15 – 9am – 11:30am

Open house and Break-out Sessions
When: Mon., November 17 – 4 – 7pm

Closing Presentation
When: Tues., November 18 – 7 – 8:30pm

Charrette Parking available on Level 2 of the Whole Foods Parking Garage

Also you can watch live coverage of the charrette on Access Sarasota