residences and hotels.
The county has been
moving ahead with
rezoning for large-
scale development
there.
Wednesday's County
Commission vote was
split, however, with Chairman Charles Hines
and Commissioner Nora Patterson dissent-
ing. Both voiced reservations about selling
this piece of county property that is rising in
value and has the potential to be a lure for a
bigger opportunity.
Board members supporting the project said it
will fill a void in the county's lack of manufac-
turing space and, they hope, provide a facility
where smaller compa-
nies can grow.
"Light industrial Class
A [space] is extremely
hard to find," noted
C o m m i s s i o n e r J o e
Barbetta.
After several months
of negotiations, Benderson offered the county
$3 million for the site, but it also will pay $1.35
million to bring in fill material to enhance its
design potential. The extra expense will make
the construction of elevated truck delivery
lanes possible, said Lin Kurant, the county's
real estate services manager.
Further, the company will grant easements
to the county, including a 28-foot-wide path
The County Commission has approved Benderson Development's plans for a business complex on
Fruitville Road. Image courtesy Sarasota County
I think this hampers the
[Economic Development Corp. of
Sarasota County] being able to
negotiate with the larger big players.
Charles Hines
Chairman
Sarasota County Commission
Sarasota News Leader July 11, 2014 Page 16
