Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/102968
Sarasota News Leader January 11, 2013 On Aug. 15 last year, Walmart executives met with Alta Vista and other Sarasota residents at the Payne Park Municipal Auditorium. The Walmart group unveiled plans for a 98,000-square-foot "small format Walmart supercenter with a full-service grocery." The architect explained he "tried to incorporate some urban elements … and added windows and awnings." The second "community meeting" was in reality a public hearing before the Sarasota Planning Board on Nov. 14, when the board reviewed the final plans. Presidents of both nearby neighborhood associations came forward to support the Walmart concept. "I think Page 20 the project would be a great thing," said Alta Vista President Candy Spaulding. "I don't want to see this project killed," said Myron Nichol, president of the Gardens of Ringling Park. City planners agreed. "Your expert planner says this is allowed," said Walmart attorney Jim Porter. At this second "community meeting" cum "public hearing," the stars aligned. Walmart representatives, residents of the two adjacent neighborhoods, the city planning staff — all were happy — except two Planning Board members — unpaid citizen volunteers — who pointed to a gaping problem. Citing the zoning (From left) City Commissioners Shannon Snyder, Willie Shaw, Terry Turner and Paul Caragiulo listen to comments on Jan. 7. Photo by Norman Schimmel