Thursday, February 15, 2018
National Audubon President Speaking in Sarasota March 12
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Private Comp Plan Amendment to add IBIS Rd. to Thoroughfare Plan
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Privately-Initiated
Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2017-F
Adding Ibis Street to Future Thoroughfare Plan
Date: February 27, 2018
Location: Sarasota County Administration Center, County Commission Chamber, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, Florida
Time: 1:30 p.m., or soon thereafter
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The Sarasota County Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a resolution transmitting Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2017-F, relating to the incorporation of Ibis Street into Sarasota County's Future Thoroughfare Plan Maps and Tables, to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for review and comment.
The privately-initiated amendment proposes to add Ibis Street from Clark Road (State Road 72) to Future North-South Roadway "A" to Sarasota County's Future Thoroughfare Plan, as shown on the map below:
The amendment proposes to revise the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan including Maps 10-8 and 10-9 of the Year 2040 Future Thoroughfare Plan of the Future Land Use Chapter and Map 10-3a, Map 10-3b and Table 10-5 of the Transportation Chapter.
Following the public hearing and subsequent review by the Florida Department of Economic Development, the County Commission will hold another public hearing to consider the adoption of CPA No. 2017-F. The "tentative" adoption public hearing is scheduled for April 25, 2018.
Copies of the proposed Amendment and supporting documents are available during normal business hours in the Planning and Development Services Department at 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, Florida. Supporting documents will be available the Thursday prior to the public hearing at www.scgov.net, Meetings and Agendas (Meetings on Demand) to view or download.
You are invited to comment on the request by attending the public hearing or submitting your written comments to:
Planning and Development Services Department
Please call 941-861-5000; TTY: 7-1-1 or 1-800-955-8771; or email: planner@scgov.net or adacoordinator@scgov.net with your questions.
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Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Manasota Neighborhoods Summit Feb. 23
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There's still time to register for the Manasota Neighborhood Summit on February 23rd. Manatee County, Sarasota County, City of Sarasota, and the City of Bradenton are hosting the Summit on February 23, 8 am - noon at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205.
Join neighborhood leaders from around the region to learn about disaster preparation, communication, history, and the environment for improving your neighborhood. Breakfast is included in the $20 registration cost.
Click this link to register: |
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Until we Connect again,
Your Neighborhood Services Team
Jane Grogg, Manager
Miranda Lansdale, Community Outreach Specialist
Katie White, Planner
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Planning seeks comments on Unified Development Code (UDC)
Sarasota County Planning Dept. is looking for input on its effort to make the development and zoning regulations more consistent and user friendly. Here's its latest update:
Sarasota County wants your input!
2nd Preliminary Draft of the UDC Now available
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Planning Commission to hear Proposed Hi-Hat Comp Plan Amendment
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Thursday, February 8, 2018
Two programs at CONA, DEP Chief cites Celery Fields, Reviving Vision
On Monday Feb. 12, CONA Sarasota will offer two programs - one on Benderson's controversial Siesta Promenade project, the other on reviving our vision in Sarasota - perhaps because it's virtually forgotten?
On Monday, February 12, 2018 please join CONA for a presentation by Sura Kochman, an organizer for the Pine Shores Neighborhood Alliance, who will present the latest plans for Siesta Promenade at the northwestern corner of Tamiami Trail and Stickney Point Road, Route 41 and Route 72, respectively .
The location is bounded by commercial development on the three other corners of the intersection and includes the southern access road between the mainland and Siesta Key to the west, and to the east, Clark Road, which leads to Interstate 75. This already is a major intersection with extensive congestion.
At our November 2014 meeting, a comprehensive analysis of the original proposal by the developer -- from the perspective of the neighborhoods directly affected -- was presented by Ms. Kochman. Then the project became stalled by public concerns and a boom collapse.
The project was resurrected in 2017 and Ms. Kochman reviewed it again at our November meeting. Details are evolving during review by county staff, however, so she will assess the current iteration of the proposal, which is not progressing as expected.
Since the entire community and many of our member organizations will be affected by this project, we will be following this planning process carefully throughout the public process and providing updates as warranted.
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Our second presentation, reviving our vision for Sarasota, will be a discussion by Alex Coe and Bill Zoller launching an effort to revisit the vision of the county, developed previously with much community involvement, but that seems to have been lost, in order to get us back on the track our community desires. Objectives and strategies will be developed for a return to community-driven decisions guiding our growth. Get back on board with us as we resuscitate the vision we are on the verge of losing forever.
A social precedes the meeting at 6:30.
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Speaking of the Celery Fields, our communities are asked to participate now in the Fresh Start Initiative. Deadline for proposals March 1st.
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Siesta Promenade
The location is bounded by commercial development on the three other corners of the intersection and includes the southern access road between the mainland and Siesta Key to the west, and to the east, Clark Road, which leads to Interstate 75. This already is a major intersection with extensive congestion.
At our November 2014 meeting, a comprehensive analysis of the original proposal by the developer -- from the perspective of the neighborhoods directly affected -- was presented by Ms. Kochman. Then the project became stalled by public concerns and a boom collapse.
The project was resurrected in 2017 and Ms. Kochman reviewed it again at our November meeting. Details are evolving during review by county staff, however, so she will assess the current iteration of the proposal, which is not progressing as expected.
Since the entire community and many of our member organizations will be affected by this project, we will be following this planning process carefully throughout the public process and providing updates as warranted.
__________
Reviving our vision for Sarasota
Our second presentation, reviving our vision for Sarasota, will be a discussion by Alex Coe and Bill Zoller launching an effort to revisit the vision of the county, developed previously with much community involvement, but that seems to have been lost, in order to get us back on the track our community desires. Objectives and strategies will be developed for a return to community-driven decisions guiding our growth. Get back on board with us as we resuscitate the vision we are on the verge of losing forever.
A social precedes the meeting at 6:30.
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Environmental Protection chief talks sea level rise during Sarasota visit - and Celery Fields!
SARASOTA — New Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein spent a lot time talking about community Tuesday during a swing through Sarasota to speak to the Argus Foundation.
Conservation efforts “really become powerful when you have that connection to the community,” Valenstein said, highlighting the Celery Fields in Sarasota as a prime example of the community rallying to protect a natural resource.
Environmental advocates in the crowd say the DEP — an agency that often was accused of catering to business interests in recent years — is doing a better job of listening to the overall community under Valenstein. More here
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Speaking of the Celery Fields, our communities are asked to participate now in the Fresh Start Initiative. Deadline for proposals March 1st.
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MOTE AQUARIUM REBIRTH PLANNED NEAR I-75, HELPING CITY ISLAND CAMPUS ADVANCE SCIENCE & ‘BLUE ECONOMY’
Mote Marine announces giant new Aquarium:
The new Mote Science Education Aquarium will be designed and located strategically to serve a much greater cross-section of residents and visitors in Florida, and enhance ocean literacy opportunities and impacts for all. More here
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Public Record: Email exchange relevant to Sheriff Garage on prime property in Nokomis
Emails from John Ask, former chair of the Sarasota Planning Commission, to Sheriff Knight and Commissioner Al Maio regarding Sarasota County's decision to gift valuable public land near I-75 and Laurel Rd. to the Sheriff for a truck garage.
Dear Sheriff Knight:
I am reading today about your immediate challenge of needing an additional $600,000 dollars associated with your homeless personnel and equipment costs; and, you warned more costs are coming. Below is a review of what you already know, but you have allowed politics, and a very short term view, to trump making a good financial decision for Sarasota County taxpayers.
In the way of review, at least some of these financial challenges could have been avoided, and the community would have been much happier with their elected officials for listening, and being much better fiscal stewards of our public money. The land that you are building your vehicle maintenance facility on is valuable! How valuable depends on the zoning the county commission places on the property, but needless to say it’s several million dollars. Better yet, the annual taxes paid on the property would be like an ongoing annuity for the county, and could be a source to address some of your financial needs. For example, a 100 room hotel alone on roughly 4 acres would generate about $250,000 dollars in taxes (as per Sarasota County). This does not include ongoing revenue generated from the jobs created, and guest spending. And, this is just on roughly 4 acres of the parcel which is the typical space a hotel requires depending on site specific details, and the infrastructure sharing with other parcels.
You need a vehicle maintenance facility as you effectively communicated to the three of us Nokomis community leaders when we met prior to this decision being made.
Recall that we provided you with a better alternative that met both your needs, as well as, space for other purposes such as the county white fleet which is another ticking time bomb for county leaders. You clearly communicated to the 3 of us that you could live with the 100+ acre site at Knight’s Trail and Rustic Road. It’s already zoned GU which is the proper zoning for your needs, and is ready for site and development. It’s also on the future North/South connector road between Clark Road and Laurel Road. The site is immediately adjacent many of your other existing facilities. And, best yet, it has little market value from the real estate standpoint vs. the valuable piece on Laurel Road/Honore’/I-75 exit.
At this time you, and the county commissioners, are choosing to spoil the I-75 gateway to Venice and Nokomis with a vehicle maintenance facility, and waste a valuable piece of property that easily could address some of the financial challenges of the county. This is an example of local government being very irresponsible!
There is additional information on this topic on the Nokomis Area Civic Association – NACA website: www.naca-nokomis.com
Respectfully,
John Ask
Nokomis, Florida
Dear Mr. Knight and Mr. Maio:
This communication is intended to notify, and perhaps, update you on the feelings and impact of your decision to move forward in constructing the Sheriffs fleet maintenance facility at the I-75 Nokomis (and Venice) gateway entry on Laurel Road and Honore’. If you haven’t viewed the NACA website, perhaps you might wish to in order to learn in detail the thinking of many in the community. It’s our belief that this thinking will only intensify once construction begins and more people in the area learn what is happening.
Noteworthy is NACA has never taken a position toward our elected leaders since inception 17 years ago. Of course, this is the first time that any trusted local officials have been the enemy of our residents vs. our ally; very sad. Not only is our area being permanently damaged by this project, but the significant lost financial gain by the county is a needless, self-inflicted wound, and in our view, fiscally irresponsible. Mr. Knight, you might remember when meeting with Bruce Dillon, Bill Cantrell and myself you clearly stated that you did not care which site (Knight’s Trail adjacent your existing facilities or Laurel Road) your facility was located as long as it could commence without delay as time is of the essence. It was disappointing that you failed to recall and address our meeting contents during your public remarks. And Mr. Maio, you stated that you met with the Venetian Golf and River Club leadership and they do not want the facility on their side of I-75 adjacent the other Sheriff facilities, but that they do not object to it being located on the West side. You then went on to state that they have more votes on their side of the interstate than we do on the West. It’s disappointing that you speculated on potential votes in your next election in reaching your decision. I suspect that this is a rare instance where you failed to seek counsel from your friend and chief political advisor, Bob Waechter, prior to proceeding.
Furthermore, it’s our view that the intent of the Sarasota County Charter is projects such as this should be presented to the voters for a referendum. Initially, this project was to be part of a referendum, but you participated in reaching the decision that this would not be viewed positively by Sarasota County voters. Hence, adapting the alternative strategy of being slippery with the intent of the charter and avoiding a referendum, while technically legal, certainly gives credence to those who believe that some of our local leaders represent a swamp that needs to be sanitized and drained.
Elections matter, and elections are one way to drain our local swamp. In our view citizens should make a priority seeking out, and supporting, individuals wishing to be transparent in serving the community to become the best it can be vs. individuals seeking public office for personal enrichment, retirement benefits, and acting with the priority of helping friends and political allies, and winning another election.
Respectfully,
John Ask
Nokomis, FL
(Ed's. note: bolding added)
From: John R. Ask
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2018 7:24 AM
Subject: Laurel Rd Notes
Dear Sheriff Knight:
I am reading today about your immediate challenge of needing an additional $600,000 dollars associated with your homeless personnel and equipment costs; and, you warned more costs are coming. Below is a review of what you already know, but you have allowed politics, and a very short term view, to trump making a good financial decision for Sarasota County taxpayers.
In the way of review, at least some of these financial challenges could have been avoided, and the community would have been much happier with their elected officials for listening, and being much better fiscal stewards of our public money. The land that you are building your vehicle maintenance facility on is valuable! How valuable depends on the zoning the county commission places on the property, but needless to say it’s several million dollars. Better yet, the annual taxes paid on the property would be like an ongoing annuity for the county, and could be a source to address some of your financial needs. For example, a 100 room hotel alone on roughly 4 acres would generate about $250,000 dollars in taxes (as per Sarasota County). This does not include ongoing revenue generated from the jobs created, and guest spending. And, this is just on roughly 4 acres of the parcel which is the typical space a hotel requires depending on site specific details, and the infrastructure sharing with other parcels.
You need a vehicle maintenance facility as you effectively communicated to the three of us Nokomis community leaders when we met prior to this decision being made.
Recall that we provided you with a better alternative that met both your needs, as well as, space for other purposes such as the county white fleet which is another ticking time bomb for county leaders. You clearly communicated to the 3 of us that you could live with the 100+ acre site at Knight’s Trail and Rustic Road. It’s already zoned GU which is the proper zoning for your needs, and is ready for site and development. It’s also on the future North/South connector road between Clark Road and Laurel Road. The site is immediately adjacent many of your other existing facilities. And, best yet, it has little market value from the real estate standpoint vs. the valuable piece on Laurel Road/Honore’/I-75 exit.
At this time you, and the county commissioners, are choosing to spoil the I-75 gateway to Venice and Nokomis with a vehicle maintenance facility, and waste a valuable piece of property that easily could address some of the financial challenges of the county. This is an example of local government being very irresponsible!
There is additional information on this topic on the Nokomis Area Civic Association – NACA website: www.naca-nokomis.com
Respectfully,
John Ask
Nokomis, Florida
Dear Mr. Knight and Mr. Maio:
This communication is intended to notify, and perhaps, update you on the feelings and impact of your decision to move forward in constructing the Sheriffs fleet maintenance facility at the I-75 Nokomis (and Venice) gateway entry on Laurel Road and Honore’. If you haven’t viewed the NACA website, perhaps you might wish to in order to learn in detail the thinking of many in the community. It’s our belief that this thinking will only intensify once construction begins and more people in the area learn what is happening.
Noteworthy is NACA has never taken a position toward our elected leaders since inception 17 years ago. Of course, this is the first time that any trusted local officials have been the enemy of our residents vs. our ally; very sad. Not only is our area being permanently damaged by this project, but the significant lost financial gain by the county is a needless, self-inflicted wound, and in our view, fiscally irresponsible. Mr. Knight, you might remember when meeting with Bruce Dillon, Bill Cantrell and myself you clearly stated that you did not care which site (Knight’s Trail adjacent your existing facilities or Laurel Road) your facility was located as long as it could commence without delay as time is of the essence. It was disappointing that you failed to recall and address our meeting contents during your public remarks. And Mr. Maio, you stated that you met with the Venetian Golf and River Club leadership and they do not want the facility on their side of I-75 adjacent the other Sheriff facilities, but that they do not object to it being located on the West side. You then went on to state that they have more votes on their side of the interstate than we do on the West. It’s disappointing that you speculated on potential votes in your next election in reaching your decision. I suspect that this is a rare instance where you failed to seek counsel from your friend and chief political advisor, Bob Waechter, prior to proceeding.
Furthermore, it’s our view that the intent of the Sarasota County Charter is projects such as this should be presented to the voters for a referendum. Initially, this project was to be part of a referendum, but you participated in reaching the decision that this would not be viewed positively by Sarasota County voters. Hence, adapting the alternative strategy of being slippery with the intent of the charter and avoiding a referendum, while technically legal, certainly gives credence to those who believe that some of our local leaders represent a swamp that needs to be sanitized and drained.
Elections matter, and elections are one way to drain our local swamp. In our view citizens should make a priority seeking out, and supporting, individuals wishing to be transparent in serving the community to become the best it can be vs. individuals seeking public office for personal enrichment, retirement benefits, and acting with the priority of helping friends and political allies, and winning another election.
Respectfully,
John Ask
Nokomis, FL
(Ed's. note: bolding added)
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