The FDOT is hosting a public hearing for the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study being conducted for US 41 from 10th Street to 14th Street. The hearing gives people the opportunity to express their views about proposed alternatives ...

 

OTHER AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Omni Communications

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

The Florida Department of Transportation, District One announces a public hearing to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: February 12, 2013, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236.

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The FDOT is hosting a public hearing for the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study being conducted for US 41 from 10th Street to 14th Street. The hearing gives people the opportunity to express their views about proposed alternatives for transportation improvements in this segment of US 41. An informal open house begins at 5:00 p.m. The formal public hearing starts at 6:00 p.m. and includes a presentation about the study and proposed alternatives followed by a public comment period.

The study is part of an overall plan to enhance mobility within downtown Sarasota, Florida. The proposed improvements along US 41 include two-lane roundabouts at 10th Street and at 14th Street, narrower travel lanes, bicycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, enhanced sidewalks, a multi-use recreational trail, and enhanced bus facilities. The bus facility enhancements include: bus landing pads, bus shelters, bus benches, bike racks, and a new bus bay adjacent to Centennial Park. Small areas of land are required for the project from the Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club, Municipal Auditorium, Centennial Park, and Whitaker Gateway Park. Portions of these improvements will occur within the boundary of the Central Cocoanut Historic District. As part of the project development process and in accordance with Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, FDOT is seeking comments from the public concerning the effects of the project on the activities, features and attributes of the recreational resources.

Draft project reports and conceptual plans will be available for public review from January 21, 2013 through February 22, 2013, at the Selby Public Library, 1331 First Street in Sarasota (Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Right of way acquisition and changes to existing median openings are proposed for the build alternative. Potential encroachments on wetlands and floodplains have been identified as a result of the study and may be given special consideration under Executive Orders 11990 and 11988, Protection of Wetlands and Floodplain Management, respectively.

The hearing gives people the opportunity to express their views about proposed alternatives for transportation improvements in this segment of US 41. An informal open house begins at 5:00 p.m. The formal public hearing starts at 6:00 p.m. and includes a presentation about the study and proposed alternatives followed by a public comment period. People desiring to submit written statements and other exhibits, in place of or in addition to oral statements, may do so at the hearing or by sending them to the FDOT Project Manager, Aaron Kaster. Additional information may also be obtained by contacting Mr. Kaster at [phone], by e-mail to [e-mail] or by writing the Florida Department of Transportation, P. O. Box 1249, Bartow, FL 33831. For additional information, you may also visit the project Web site at www.us41roundabouts.com.

This public hearing is to be held in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Robin Parrish, District One Title VI Coordinator, at [phone] or by e-mail at [e-mail], at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us using the Florida Relay Service, [phone] (TDD) or [phone] (voice).