What does Lakeland need to have on Memorial Boulevard? Here's your chance to chime in
Sara-Megan Walsh
Lakeland officials are seeking residents' input on what the future of Memorial Boulevard should look like.
Lakeland received a $75,000 grant from Florida Department of Commerce to help with developing an economic strategy for future development and growth of Memorial Boulevard. The city hired Tampa-based Ayres Associates to act as its consultant in developing this strategy.
On Tuesday, Lakeland unveiled a project website on the Memorial Boulevard corridor study, which focuses on a roughly 6-mile stretch from Interstate 4 to East Lake Parker Drive.
"With significant public infrastructure investments underway, the City of Lakeland aims to revitalize Memorial Boulevard (US 92) to attract new investments, support surrounding residential communities, improve pedestrian safety, boost the local economy, and create more job opportunities," read the city's news release.
Residents can provide their input on this project in two ways: fill out an online survey or attend a public meeting scheduled for Feb. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin L. King Jr. Ave. The online survey can be found on the city's website at lakelandgov.net/MemorialBlvd.
In the online survey, individuals are asked to identify how they relate to Memorial Boulevard and whether that's as a resident, property owner, business owner, commuter or other.
The survey asks respondents to rate their feelings about the corridor's growth. There's an option for people to select what kind of growth and development they feel is best for the area, whether that's residential, from single-family homes to multi-family apartments or more commercial in nature. Photos of each type of development help illustrate the differences.
Survey respondents are asked what kind of elements might be missing in the area, in terms of businesses and uses. There's also an option to just say, "I'm just happy with the area as is."
The overall survey is 12 questions long and can be submitted anonymously. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Shelley Guiseppi, Lakeland's CRA Project Manager, at 863-834-8025 or [email protected].