News Briefs

+ Overhead: ‘Never, ever again!’
At Tuesday’s Downtown Improvement District Board of Directors meeting, board member Dr. Mark Kauffman asked City Manager Bob Bartolotta when the city planned to review the parking-meter issue again. 

Bartolotta buried his hands in his head before shaking his head and waving his hands while saying, “It’s not ... never, ever again!”

His actions and words were met with laughter from those in attendance at the meeting. In the meantime, Bartolotta was serious. The issue is not expected to be revisited again after commissioners agreed to move meters around and change pricing for hourly rates. 

+ Costco construction schedule announced
The construction of a Costco at Westfield Sarasota Square Mall is beginning, and the shopping center on the southeast side of the mall is expected to open in summer 2012, according to mall officials.

“The new year will deliver exciting changes at Westfield Sarasota Square,” said Todd Beckwith, marketing director, Westfield Sarasota Square, in a news release. “The introduction of Costco illustrates Westfield’s aim to introduce new goods and services into the mall — investing in new elements, new energy, new conveniences and new choices for Westfield shoppers.”   

The addition of Costco follows a $50 million revitalization at Westfield Sarasota Square, which included a full interior renovation. The center also added a 12-screen AMC Theater, new dining selections and 25,000 square feet of new retail along with the introduction of enhanced consumer amenities such as a family lounge and a special family dining area in the food court,

The Costco is estimated to bring 200 new jobs to the area.

Meetings & agendas
• St. Armands Business Improvement District Board of Directors Meeting — 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, City Hall, Room 109, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Rosemary District Association Meeting — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, Fifth Street Fire Station, Sarasota.
• Development Problem Solving Session with the City Manager — 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, City Hall, Room 112, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Lido Shores Property Owners Association Meeting — 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 1310 Westbay Drive, Sarasota.