ULI discusses recommendations for GMD

Five members of the Urban Land Institute Implementation Advisory Committee met Oct. 2, at Longboat Key Town Hall to review the group’s recommendations to the Longboat Key Town Commission for the Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Committee members Jered Whitehead, Vice Mayor Jack Duncan, Commissioner Pat Zunz, Walter Hackett and George Symanski were present, with the committee’s other two members; Roger Leibon and David Novak not in attendance.

The committee discussed the ULI’s recommendations for GMD based on the ULI’s islandwide study last October of numerous planning issues regarding the redevelopment of the island’s central road.

Commissioners Phil Younger and Irwin Pastor will also in attendance at the meeting, as the group previewed, tweaked and discussed their recommendations that will be presented to the commission.

The committee recommended the following for GMD:

•Gateway improvements. The gateways to Longboat Key should showcase the identity of the island and calm traffic;

•Enhance bicycle and pedestrian network. Provide five-foot minimum bicycle lanes; expand and maintain a continuous multiuse path to be shared by pedestrians and bicyclists; Increase the number of pedestrian crossings and consider adding median islands; add pedestrian level lighting along the multiuse path;

•Enhance transit access. Increase the frequency of transit service; improve bus stops by adding shelter and shade;

•Landscaping. Install consistent landscaping to enhance aesthetics and provide shade to cyclists and pedestrians.

For more information about the Oct. 2 meeting of the ULI committee, pick up an Oct. 9 edition of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Caleb Motsinger at [email protected].