Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/112475
Sarasota News Leader March 1, 2013 Mendez then gave birth and went on maternity leave. Defense of the staff position was taken up by Tim Litchet, director of building, zoning and neighborhoods. He was supported by Gretchen Schneider, general manager of planning and development. Page 61 exemplary. The criticisms of staff were irrelevant,��� he said. But he overruled the staff���s analysis, saying the project was ���not compatible ��� the bulk, the 24/7 [operation], the truck noise and traffic and the intensity of the project in a neighThe level of scorn in the audience was high borhood area.��� on Feb. 26, and some of that was tossed at THE STAKES staff. One Alta Vista resident even brought up news articles about Walmart bribing officials The biggest sigh of relief came from Alta Vista in Mexico to put its stores where the compa- residents, who will not have to foot the bill ny wanted them despite adverse zoning rules. for an expensive lawsuit against the Walmart Goliath. Even though Bob Turffs was acting as ���Just like we do here,��� he said. the neighborhood���s pro bono attorney, fees for City Commissioner Terry Turner was on the court costs, expert witnesses and deposition prevailing side to support the appeal. After transcriptions would have been borne by Alta the vote, he praised staff: ���For the record, I Vista. Now the city will be the party in court, find the city staff work to be professional and not the neighborhood. Several city residents brought with them signs protesting the Walmart plan. Photo by Norman Schimmel