What improvements should come to Ninth Ave NW? Manatee County wants to hear from you
Manatee County officials are seeking input from local residents as they consider a new design for Ninth Avenue Northwest in Bradenton.
The road, which serves as an entryway to Robinson Preserve, one of the county’s most popular parks, will be reconfigured to include amenities that residents want to see. Officials say they’re working to improve the 1.5-mile stretch between 99th Street West and 75th Street West.
In general, engineers are planning to incorporate complete street guidelines that provide better access for all kinds of travelers, not just cars. These upgrades may include street lights, bike lanes, sidewalks and more.
“What we’re trying to do is balance and provide options,” said Jared Schneider, a transportation planner working on the project.
According to a press release, a public meeting would usually be held to discuss the changes with residents, but COVID-19 canceled those plans.
“Traditionally, when our projects reach this part of the design process, we would hold a public meeting in order to share information about the project,” said Ogden Clark, Strategic Affairs Manager with Manatee County’s Public Works Department. “Now, with limitations on gatherings due to COVID-19, we are making an effort to get important information about the project out through different means. We hope that providing an extended period for public input online will allow for more participation than we would see for a one-time meeting.”
Instead of a public meeting, residents will be able to watch a presentation online and then fill out a survey by Oct. 1 to suggest which improvements Manatee should prioritize.
The design and permitting process is expected to begin at the end of the year and could take about 18 months.
Visit www.mymanatee.org/mobility to view the presentation about the project and participate in the survey.
This story was originally published August 24, 2020 at 1:48 PM.
