How about a parking garage at Manatee and 75th St.?

This is in response to Robert A. Bach’s letter to the editor, proposing a parking garage.

A parking garage on the mainland and a free express bus are a much better solution.

How about replacing that vacant Albertsons at 75th Street and Manatee Avenue with a large parking garage, and running an express bus down a center bus lane on Manatee Avenue? It could be a bus doing turnaround loops so only one lane is needed. A third lane can be incorporated into the upcoming bridge reconstruction very easily, and could also help facilitate evacuations. It is a much better solution to place a garage in an appropriate, compatible area than to destroy the views and the coastal charm that are the draw of Anna Maria Island vs. Pinellas/Sarasota county beaches. That would be a far more efficient and appropriate solution.

This “I have to drive to the beach” mindset is what needs to change. Take a bus out, then connect with a trolley or bike share at Manatee Beach.

This story was originally published June 2, 2017 at 5:24 PM with the headline "How about a parking garage at Manatee and 75th St.?."