As the Downtown Improvement District (DID) awaits the completion of its streetscape design, it has suggested leaving a large portion of downtown out of the plan and creating a separate entity to deal with it.

Wilson Miller landscape architect Scott Buttari expects to deliver his plan for landscaping, lighting and sidewalk enhancements to the DID by June 5. But at its meeting Tuesday, May 26, DID board members suggested leaving improvements to Five Points Park out of Buttari’s proposal.

Board member Andrew Foley said a separate committee should be created to deal with the park because both business and neighborhood concerns are so great in that area.

“It’s also going to cost more than the (other areas), so maybe it should be separate,” said Vice Chairman Ernie Ritz.

Some of the improvements to the park that the DID has discussed include adding new grass and creating a ramp or steps from the sidewalk leading into the grass area.

The DID will invite a member of the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board to a future meeting to see if the two boards can come to a consensus on the future of Five Points Park, before a plan is presented to the City Commission.

Contact Robin Roy at rroy@yourobserver.com.