We watch what they do...

“IT’S DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN”

Quoting Yogi Berra, red-shirted neighbors of the proposed 1260 Palm skyscraper (formerly submitted as the Obsidian), lamented the long delay in saying a final “no” to the outsized project.

ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN?

The District 1 City Coalition of Neighborhood Association representatives asked the commission to address the dangerous storage of liquid petroleum gas by the Seminole Railroad (a practice which began after Hurricane Ian as an emergency measure).

DARK SKIES AT NIGHT, NEIGHBORS DELIGHT

To promote safety and walkability, representatives of the South Poinsettia Neighborhood asked the commissioners to approve new lighting, compatible with dark sky standards, for the historic neighborhood.

EXIT STAGE LEFT FOR PAYNE PARK PLAY

In 2023 The Players theater troupe proposed leasing the Payne Park Auditorium, a classic Sarasota School structure previously used as a ballroom and community center. Over time, the idea ballooned from re-use of the existing building, to construction of a new 17,000 square foot complex and 75 parking spots in the heart of the park.

As they have many times before, residents and neighbors rallied against construction in the deed-protected park and greenspace. How many times must the city be reminded that this is deed-restricted property? Why does this Commission keep wasting their time and resources and ours on this issue? They know what is the right thing to do. Why do certain ones refuse to do so?

Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch pointed to the city’s existing parks plan, the downtown greenspace plan, and the Payne deed as controlling policy standards, and suggested that all city parks be properly zoned as such to prevent these sorts of groundhog days from continuing.

Commissioner Trice pointed out the lack of due diligence on lease terms, park restrictions, business model, and operating costs, and made clear she would not provide the 4th vote necessary to allow new construction in the park proper.

Resisting multiple attempts by Mayor Alpert and Commissioner Battie to unnecessarily give away public parkland, Commissioner Arroyo pragmatically moved to direct staff to explore the option of leasing a different nearby city-owned parcel– the 2 acres between the tennis center and 301 / Washington to The Players. This alternative, proposed by Preserve Payne Park coalition co-leader Ron Kashden, passed unanimously.

COMING UP THURSDAY...

Sarasota City Commission Candidate Forum

CityPAC will be hosting its second 2024 Sarasota City Commission candidate forum on July 18, 2024 at the Friendship Center (1888 Brother Geenan Way) from 5:00-6:30 p.m.

The format will be a community conversation, featuring questions voters have submitted. All candidates (incumbents and challengers) for the 3 district seats have been invited.