News Briefs

+ Discussion continues on Arlington Park bridge
The look of a replacement pedestrian bridge in Arlington Park has become a subject of controversy around the neighborhood, and the city is attempting to work with residents before moving ahead with the project.

Residents have expressed some dissatisfaction with the proposed aluminum bridge, saying that the aesthetics wouldn’t mesh with the surrounding park and trail. Todd Kucharski, general manager of the city’s public works department, attended an Arlington Park Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday to discuss those concerns.

Kucharski said that, given budgetary constraints, a sustainable and cost-effective project was a priority for the city. He suggested residents could raise money to help fund the project, if they were interested.
The neighborhood association invited Kucharski to return for next month’s meeting. Kucharski said the city was interested in moving quickly on the project, which was supposed to be completed in the summer, because of the structural issues affecting the current wooden bridge.

“If we inspect it and there are concerns, we’re going to have to close the bridge for safety reasons,” Kucharski said.

+ Bayfront Park fountain closes early for winter
The Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children’s Fountain in Bayfront Park closed 13 days early for the winter season.
The city of Sarasota said in a release Tuesday that the fountain was closing early due to a mechanical issue. In July, the fountain closed due to mechanical issues as well. This incident marks the fourth time this year the fountain has closed for repairs.

The equipment that caused the closure is scheduled for replacement before the fountain reopens in April.

+ Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 plans public forums
As it works toward its goal of developing a master plan for nearly 75 acres of bayfront land, Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 hopes to continue to gather broad community input.

The group is holding two public workshops next week to allow citizens to offer their suggestions regarding the future development of 42 acres of city-owned land surrounding the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
The group is also considering how adjoining private property, such as the former Quay site, could fit into a vision for the area.

The workshops will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts.

Meetings & agendas
Downtown Improvement District meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, SRQ Media Studio, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota