SKA requests additional traffic study

The Siesta Key Association has contacted the county with concerns about a proposed development project at Stickney Point Road and South Tamiami Trail.

Benderson Development, one of the companies involved with the development of University Town Center, proposed a hotel and shopping center development to the county for the space, which was previously a mobile-home park.

Although a traffic study must be conducted during normal rush hour — 4 to 6 p.m. — Bob Stein, SKA vice president, said the association would like to see another study conducted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“We all know this road is busy … in season and certain weekends in the summer,” Stein said in an email to County Commissioner Nora Patterson.

He also expressed concern about no turn on red regulation on Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road and the at will crosswalks on Siesta. These two regulations have put pressure on Stickney traffic in the past year, he said.

“Adding more pressure will certainly produce traffic backups on Highway 41 when we are the busiest,” Stein said.