Beautification Plan under Discussion
The
beautification of Tamiami Trail has been an issue in Port Charlotte
for years. Several projects have had partial success, but most of
the road and almost all of the other thoroughfares remain sodded.
The
areas that have been successfully planted stand apart from the barren
stretches of median and roadway to show what can be accomplished if
the community at large wants it to happen. The reasons for not
beautifying the right-of-way range from financial shortcomings to
incredible shortsightedness.
Several
merchants complained during one campaign to beautify the median that
growth in the center of the median would block the view of their
establishments from the traffic on the other side of the roadway. The
argument that it is considered safe to drive 45 mph, the legal speed
limit, while rubbernecking across three lanes of oncoming traffic,
and a two-lane access road to boot, to look at businesses on the
driver's left side, is seriously flawed.
There
is another way. Let businesses announce they support the median
beautification fronting their areas of roadway with signs announcing
their participation in the program.
John Milone of the
Committee of 100, is spearheading the group's
proposal to adapt the successful program used by the city of
Gainesville. The Landscape Island Sponsor Program used by Gainesville
is a joint venture between the city and the business community.
Charlotte
County would be the official sponsor responsible for the engineering
and landscape plans. while the business participants remove weeds,
litter, debris and dead foliage on an agreed upon schedule.
The
county and the business community need to find the balance that
encourages not only business participation, but support from the
community as a whole. The plan is currently under discussion with
Charlotte County officials. John met recently with Commissioner Sara
Devos to discuss the beautification proposal. and found Devos
enthusiastic about the project. The Landscape Island Plan is very
important to the success of Gainesville's traffic calming, street
scape and pedestrian safety goals.
Port
Charlotte can expect similar results from a successful beautification
program. The county is currently reviewing the plan and
recommendation is expected shortly. To minimize costs, the plants and
trees used should be xeriscape-type plants. especially those
indigenous to our area. They won't require watering or irrigation and
they don't need to form a barrier wall down the middle of U.S. 41.
Beautification
is the goal. The sponsorship signs will not be a distraction if done
properly and with a general concept of uniformity. If you arc new to
the area and need to look at each building as you drive. for safety's
sake, simply make a trip down the other side to take it all in!
Traffic will flow better and safer. and we'll have a better looking
community for all of us to enjoy.
George Mindling ©
2002
