Invitation to Attend a Focus Group

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A note from SCOPE

Lake Sarasota residents are invited to attend a focus group on April 9th to share how they use Bee Ridge Road.  The Transit Oriented Design committee, a grassroots citizen group that arose out of SCOPE's Summit for Environmental Action, is hosting the focus group. 

 

The committee wants to start a community conversation on transit-oriented development and smart growth through a case study of the Bee Ridge Road corridor.  Community input will help create a “roadmap” for elected officials, the business community and citizens to move into the future.

 

A grassroots citizen group needs your vision and input at a Focus Group on transforming Bee Ridge Road to better serve the businesses, adjoining neighborhoods and beyond. Focus Groups are being held with neighborhood associations, businesses and places of worship along the Bee Ridge corridor.  

 

The committee believes this is a unique and important moment to get involved because:

 ·        2008 Urban Service Boundary voter referendum will lead to a focus on redevelopment and infill.

·        The current downturn notwithstanding, fuel prices are increasing, leading to a decreased focus on driving and an increased focus on creating more transportation options.

·        The real estate downturn allows us the opportunity to create a future built by design, not default.

·        Regional and local government transportation initiatives include Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority’s $2 million funding and the SCAT’s Bus Rapid Transit application to the Federal Transit Authority.

 

The Focus Group session is scheduled Thursday April 9th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Central Church of Christ located at 6221 Proctor Rd (just east of I75).  A short informative presentation will be followed by an interactive visioning exercise to gain clarity about what our community envisions for Bee Ridge and beyond. Light refreshments will be served.

 

A series of Focus Groups will culminate in a Community-wide Forum, May 1st from 1:00 – 4:00 at the Suncoast Polytechnic High School on Beneva Road. 

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