Commissioners to discuss St. Armands parking

City Commissioners will discuss parking enforcement on St. Armands Circle at today’s regular City Commission meeting.

St. Armands merchants and business owners say the city’s current parking enforcement on the Circle is too strict, making it difficult for customers and store employees to park.

“We have been working with them (St. Armands stakeholders) and trying to find solutions,” said Mark Lyons, Sarasota’s parking manager.

Commissioners will look at the following aspects of parking and discuss possible changes: removal of parking spaces “boxes;” Saturday enforcement of parking restrictions; and enforcement after 6 p.m.
Commissioner Paul Caragiulo placed the item on the agenda for discussion.

The meeting is at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at City Hall, with the parking discussion to take place during the 6 p.m. meeting.

Commissioners will also consider:
• A request by the Downtown Sarasota Alliance (DSA) for $20,000 in city Tax Increment Finance (TIF) funding to be used for the 2013 downtown marketing effort.

• A contract agreement for the Orange Avenue Improvement Project from 10th Street to 19th Street.

• A resolution urging local vendors to cease the sale and marketing of all candy flavored tobacco products in the city.