PARK: Small park proposed at pier

From Page 4

He said it’s unclear whether the cistern can be removed pending talks with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to determine a cost for removal.

“Right now, we’re looking at maybe not removing it,” Chappie said. “We would create this larger decking area, possibly around the cistern. We want to remove all the fencing area; I talked with Tom (Woodard, director of public works). The cistern is not doing anything. We can possibly remove all the piping and equipment that’s in there.”

With added landscaping and seating along the deck, with two-top tables and fixed benches around the area, it could be some type of events or meeting area for some people, Chappie said.

“It’s a great location for connectivity of that 1,800 feet,” he said. “There could be checkerboards on the tables so people could play chess or checkers or just sit there and relax and look at the beautiful Sarasota Bay. You’re not going to beat the view of the downtown Sarasota skyline.”

“Ricinda (Perry, city attorney) has had some discussions with Elliott (Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau),” Chappie said. “There’s some hoops that we’d have to jump through but it’s a neat little overall project with all the little things we’ve been doing.“

“I would just say when opportunity knocks, you should jump on it,” CRA member Jake Spooner said. “We have an opportunity to get it funded. I have a vision of what you’re coming up with and I’m in.”

Steve Porter, of Duncan Seawall, is preparing a conceptual idea and drawing.

“It would be elevated, it would be about the same elevation as the boardwalk around the cistern, so if the cistern has to stay there, you’re talking about halfway up the cistern and by the time you get chairs or whatever around the cistern, the cistern is there, but it’s a least a little bit lower,” Chappie said.

“I love everything about it,” Spooner said. “It’s one of the most beautiful spots in our city and we have this ugly cistern. “

“If I know I have your support for a consensus that you want us to continue to spend the time and resources to put together a plan with this conceptual idea, I’m good with that,” Perry said.

Spooner made a motion to approve up to $10,000 for the preliminary work that needs to be done for the boardwalk’s expansion that would cover attorney fees and professional services for the cistern project. The motion passed unanimously.