Multi-use path redesigned
By Rick Catlin
Islander Reporter
The planned multi-use path from Fifth Street South in Bradenton Beach along the west side of Gulf Drive to the Longboat Pass Bridge is still in the planning stages, according to Mike Sosadeeter of the Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department.
Sosadeeter told members of the Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway Committee Corridor Management Entity at their Feb. 8 meeting that the department has requested a scope of services from a contractor to finalize the design. At the same time, however, he noted there are still several issues remaining with the Florida Department of Transportation over right of way, design and bicycles, and some environmental problems that need to be addressed. Funding for the path will be through a grant, he said, but the county is not yet ready to submit the application.
In other CME issues, Ralf Hesseler of Manatee County Area Transit told the CME that MCAT is currently negotiating with two vendors to supply trolley shelters throughout the MCAT system.
Once a vendor is approved, the county commission must approve the purchase order. Locations and installation dates will be determined later. He anticipated that within six to 12 months, MCAT could have 15 shelters constructed countywide, including several on Anna Maria Island.
But City Commissioner Bill Shearon noted that MCAT had promised Bradenton Beach four trolley shelters several years ago when the committee developed its CME plan for approval by the DOT.
Hesseler said the county would live up to its pledge if that promise could be confirmed in writing.
While the trolley shelters will be funded by MCAT, Bradenton Beach can use its own design as long as the cost for such a shelter is less than the MCAT contracted price. |
