Salient Points Included In This NACA Communication:

NACA is seeking your support, assistance, and counsel, regarding the landscaping of Route 41 through Laurel and Nokomis.  We strongly endorse the extensive use of trees in the landscaping throughout the newly completed road - similar to what has just been installed in Venice in the Center Road area of Route 41 associated with their resurfacing project.  It should be noted that this has been installed with the approval of FDOT just a few weeks ago.

It has long been the community vision to minimize the expanse of 6-9 lanes of concrete (including turn lanes) via extensive landscaping dominated by canopy trees.  As you well know, we live in a hot, humid climate for most of the year, and we're seeking to create a pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment connecting our Legacy Trail to our beaches, restaurants and neighborhoods. Shaded and attractive walkways are significant in contributing to the realization of these widely held community needs and goals.  Furthermore, this road is located in the Nokomis Revitalization Overlay District that has recently entitled properties the ability to become mixed use, with wide sidewalks, outdoor seating and the encouragement of a walk-able environment. Trees in the FDOT right  of way are critical to the realization of this revitalization district.  Also, Route 41 has several bus stops, none of which currently have any shade.  As a county and community we're investing heavily in our Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) seeking to make it more attractive and user friendly to residents.  Walking to bus stops and standing in areas with no shade is counter-productive to this community investment, and high priority goal.