It’s a jungle out there.
Bradenton Beach commissioners Aug. 17 reviewed surveys of city-owned alleys and discussed obstructions in the rights of way.
The focus was on alleyways between Avenues A and B, and between Avenue C and Gulf Drive.
Commissioners in April hired MSB Surveying Inc. of Sarasota to survey the two alleys and identify city property in relation to privately owned properties.
Public works director Tom Woodard and city building official Steve Gilbert addressed the commission Aug. 17 on issues the city might face as it reclaims the rights of way.
Woodard said parts of alleys are not large enough for vehicles to pass, some areas are blocked, including by a private fence and a private shed, and some areas are overgrown with vegetation.
Gilbert said he is concerned with infrastructure in alleyways and how a lack of vehicle access might impact properties in the event of a utility outage.
“At some point, trucks will need to be in there to service transformers, wiring and poles,” he said.
He also said, “Those alleys are not necessarily 10 feet wide and they are not necessarily directly parallel with one another.”
Gilbert suggested adding signage warning motorists of the narrow alleyways.
Mayor John Chappie recommended the commission hold a workshop on alleys.
“There’s a lot of factors that enter into this that we need to discuss,” Chappie said. “We have undergrounding projects that we are going to be doing. I don’t think it would behoove us to do anything right now until the undergrounding is done.”
“I would like to workshop this. We have complete streets with FDOT coming through. There’s a possibility for a multiuse trail for walking and biking and maybe golf carts,” he added.
Commissioners reached a consensus for the mayor to work with staff on scheduling a workshop.
As of Islander press time, no date had been set.