Staff planning update to Transportation Chapter of city’s comprehensive plan
To guide City of Sarasota planning for transportation and mobility needs for the next 30 years, city residents are being encouraged to participate in a survey regarding how they get around the city, the mobility challenges they have faced, and the improvements they would like to see, the city’s July 18 newsletter pointed out.
Answers on the survey will help steer the city’s efforts “to update the Transportation Chapter of the Sarasota City Plan, ensuring that policies and priorities continue to reflect the needs and values of our community,” the newsletter added.
The City Plan, a city webpage explains, is the city’s state-mandated comprehensive plan. “The Sarasota City Plan is a long-range policy document that guides decisions about land use, transportation, and other key aspects of community growth and development,” the webpage points out.
The Transportation Chapter update will be shaped by public comments and Sarasota in Motion, the city’s accepted transportation master plan, the newsletter said.
“This update,” the webpage explains, “is our community’s opportunity to shape a healthier, more connected Sarasota, where getting around is safer, easier, and works for everyone.”
The webpage points out that the update will focus on the following:
- “Identifying and addressing safety issues in the city’s transportation network.
- “Ensuring the system works for everyone, including seniors, children, people with disabilities, and those without a car.
- “Expanding transportation options and improving connections to make it easier to reach jobs, schools, parks, and other key destinations.
- Reducing traffic congestion by promoting alternatives to driving” — such as biking, walking and using transit.
- “Supporting efficient travel and smarter use of our roadways.
- “Strengthening business districts and neighborhoods through access and mobility.”
“Click here to take the survey,” the newsletter noted. “It will be open until Aug. 10.”
Those who prefer paper surveys may find them at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library in Newtown, Selby Public Library at Five Points in downtown Sarasota, the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex on 34th Street, the Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, and City Hall on First Street in downtown Sarasota, the newsletter added.
In addition to the survey, dates soon will be announced for public meetings, during which residents will be able to learn about the proposed Transportation Chapter update and share their views, the newsletter said.
“A webpage dedicated to this important initiative also is available: https://engage.sarasotafl.gov/transportationchapter,” the newsletter pointed out.