FDOT to update City Commission on roundabouts

The Florida Department of Transportation is slated to start work on two roundabouts on U.S. 41 at 10th Street in April of 2017, and the public will have a chance to view the proposed plan and documents next month.

Sarasota city commissioners will hear a presentation from FDOT on the $7.1 million project during a regular meeting Monday, and discuss possible complications with county plans to relocate the downtown Sarasota County Area Transit station.

The state needs easements or ownership of 12 properties for construction of the current design, according to a staff presentation, and no feasible noise barriers have been identified. Further, engineers have found structures under the 10th Street intersection that require replacement.

After meetings with various stakeholders, FDOT has identified nine commitments in the execution of the roundabouts, including allowing access to Centennial Park during construction, halting work during the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix and coordination with the city and Sarasota County Area Transit, among other recommendations.

The plans are currently at their 60% design phase, and FDOT will hold public meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

During Monday’s meeting city commissioners will also discuss a proposal from the county to relocate the downtown SCAT transfer station, and the procedure for appointing new city commissioners after the Fall election.

Commissioner Shannon Snyder placed the SCAT item on the agenda with the original sale contract between the city and county. A highlighted portion indicates that the city would have a shot at buying back the downtown property before it is sold to the private market.

"I wasn’t aware of that, nor were the other commissioners I presume, when we started discussion on this some time ago," said County Commissioner Joe Barbetta in a June 13 email to County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh.

IF YOU GO
What: Sarasota City Commission regular meeting
When: 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 16
Where: Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota