Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Sarasota held public meeting April 18 to share information and gather feedback for a proposed St. Armands Key improvement project.
“We’re seeking input with the decision-making process,” said Chief Transportation Planner Alvimarie Corales. “We’ll explain the history of the proposed complete streets project and share different project options. We’d like citizens’ feedback to inform our decisions and next steps.”
A survey is open for public comments until May 5.
The City of Sarasota selected a consultant in December 2022 to study and design a complete streets improvement project on St. Armands Key.
However, due to rising design and construction costs and “insufficient available funding”, the project has been paused. Citizens are now being asked what level of improvements they desire on St. Armands Key.
Three options were presented:
- Wait for additional funding from the State of Florida for a comprehensive complete streets project
- Move forward with a limited streetscape beautification project
- Shelve the project/take no action
City staff presented project options, timelines and proposed costs.
A complete street is an age-friendly design that promotes safe travel to and from a destination, whether walking, biking, riding the bus or driving a vehicle. Features may include enhanced sidewalks, street lighting, benches, street trees and landscaping, public art and more.