Villagers share north-end ideas

Longbeach Village Association members got their first look at the ideas generated through a north-end community planning effort facilitated by the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force.

New College sociology professor Dr. David Brain told the association that the stakeholders who participated in surveys and a Jan. 28 planning charrette agreed that they liked the natural beauty and beaches of the north end, along with the feel of the Longbeach Village. They agreed that areas for upgrades included Whitney Beach Plaza and the abandoned Longbeach Chevron and support of local businesses.

According to Brain, two perspectives emerged during the process: Some stakeholders were concerned about the dangers of development, while others were concerned about the dangers of doing nothing.
Architect Gary Hoyt presented sketches created last month by a team of design professionals based on the ideas generated during the charette.

Hoyt said that some sketches presented ways to create a unique look on Broadway, possibly through a park or roundabout. Other sketches presented ideas for the Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant and Whitney Beach Plaza properties. Hoyt said there were also conversations about creating a nature walk from the Gulf to the Bay.

A Public Interest Committee (PIC) forum to discuss the north-end planning effort is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The forum is open to the public.

For more information, pick up a March 15 copy of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].