County commission tables parking ban for Siesta streets

After hearing both staff reports and residents’ concerns about parking on the sides of two streets on Siesta Key, Sarasota County commissioners decided to table a vote until the fire department could review the situation.

Two residents, one on Avenida Milano and the other on Avenida Madera, petitioned the county in April 2014, asking the county to consider banning parking on the sides of the streets. During season, people park their cars on the residential streets to get access to the Village or to the beaches, causing congestion. Mary Pellettieri, the resident of Avenida Milano, said one day it was so cramped that a garbage truck was unable to make it to the end of her street. She and other residents were concerned for safety.

“Parking in the Village is problematic at best,” said Commissioner Alan Maio at today's meeting.

However, both Maio and Commissioner Christine Robinson expressed concern that county staff had only advertised that the item would be on the county agenda one week before today’s meeting, and had not contacted any Siesta Key associations or outlying neighbors for input.

Robinson was also concerned with the difference between the residents’ comments, which expressed a pressing worry about emergency vehicles being able to navigate crowded streets, and the staff reports, which stated the problem was less intensive.

“Do we need the fire department to review? If not that, then it’s an annoyance issue, which is murkier,” Robinson said.

Isaac Brownman, public works director for the county, asked for more time so the fire department could address the safety aspect; commissioners tabled the item until the next commission meetings, Tuesday, Jan. 27, and Wednesday, Jan. 28, and also directed staff to seek input from the Key’s associations.

Sarasota County Area Transit

The commissioners also approved a public hearing to consider allowing Sarasota County Area Transit riders who are 80 years old or older to ride for free.

The 80-or-above demographic makes up 2% of SCAT’s ridership, Rocky Burke, the new SCAT director, told the board. That would account for around 30,000 trips per year and an income of about $11,000. Riders 65 and older currently pay a reduced fare of 60 cents per single ride.

Burke said eliminating the fare for 80 and above would also make SCAT consistent with Manatee County’s transit system: Manatee County removed the same fare in June 2014.

“I think this is reasonable,” Burke said.