North Trail Hotel Owner Wants to Know Where's the Money?

Reported by:   Max Winitz (Email:   mwinitz@mysuncoast.com)

With money being spent on projects to beautify downtown Sarasota, at least one business owner in another part of town is asking what about us?

For six years, Jay Patel has owned the Regency Inn on Sarasota's North Trail.   Almost everyday, during those six years, he says he sees drug transactions and prostitution taking place near his motel.

"It's a never ending story," Patel said.   "Here at my business, I have seen tourists check in and out because of the negative elements at my street corner."

District 1 Sarasota City Commissioner Willie Shaw and District 1 County Commissioner Carolyn Mason will host a community forum Thursday, June 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34^th St. the City of Sarasota has announced.  The forum will feature updates on current city and county projects within District 1, including the latest community efforts to improve public safety, a city news release says.

A featured portion of the forum will be Shaw's report on his recent trip to High Point, N.C., "where he learned more about a unique community based initiative to reduce crime," the release adds. "Led by criminologist David Kennedy, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, the High Point community used a multi-pronged approach to reduce crime," the news release says.

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Stan Zimmerman

Thanks to Mike Lasche for providing additional information regarding the Myrtle Street Improvements:

On April 17, 2012, City and County Commissioners unanimously agreed to provide funding to build Phases 1 and 2 of the Myrtle Street reconstruction, from US 301 to Old Bradenton Road.  

Phase 1, which will improve the intersection at US 301/Myrtle, providing a southbound turn lane, will cost $337,000, is funded by the City, and is scheduled for construction in 2013.  

By Charles Schelle

City and County Commissioners agreed to fund additional work on Myrtle Street to provide lightning and sidewalks on both side.

After some reconsideration, Myrtle Street will see sidewalks on both sides, bike lanes and lightning. But if the funding comes through.

By Charles Schelle

Sarasota's proposed Bus Rapid Transit system could have its route changed from using the Seminole Gulf Railway to routes benefiting U.S. routes 41 or 301.

By RICHARD CLAPP, Guest Columnist
Published: Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 1:00 a.m. 

Lou Ann Palmer, Louann.palmer@srqmediagroup.com

With the Sarasota County and City commissions' approval of $40,000 each, plus some $22,000 already committed by property owners, the North Trail Redevelopment Partnership is raring to go to renovate and resuscitate the northern gateway into Sarasota. "The group will be meeting this week to energize the business plan by determining the qualifications for hiring a redevelopment director," said Dick Clapp, a founder of the partnership. Sarasota City Manager Bob Bartolotta looks forward to working with NTRP and the County to develop a contract identifying the formal structure so both government agencies can partially fund the effort for the next two years. A draft version of alterations to the current overlay district will soon be presented to the partnership, North Trail Business Alliance and the four neighborhoods flanking the linear corridor -- Indian Beach Sapphire Shores, Tahiti Park, Central Cocoanut, and Bayou Oaks -- prior to presentation to the City Planning Board and City Commission. Partnership leaders including Clapp, Jay Patel, Steve Roskamp and Richard Dorfman have worked strenuously to develop a business plan and alterations to the city code to enhance, encourage and attract new development. The neighborhoods, educational institutions, property and business owners have all been involved and are enthusiastic about the timing for all of this to come together. With land costs at an all time low, opportunities for attracting financial investment is higher than it's been for a very long time. As Commissioner Willie Shaw said: "What is positive for the North Trail is positive for all of Sarasota." Jay Patel agreed. "In the last six to eight months, the North Trail has become more affordable. The momentum is building. The need is now. The opportunity is now." The City Commission unanimously jumped on board with the request. The County Commission did, too. With additional private sector support, the NTRP is anticipating their redevelopment director to be sitting in his or her Roskamp Center office ready to roll by the first of next year.

Original article appeared in SRQ Daily for Wednesday, August 24, 2011 (www.srqmagazine.com)