Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/108313
Sarasota News Leader February 8, 2013 Page 21 are here at the table, asking for some help and "It's political will," Barbetta replied. some input on whether this is a viable plan." "Unfortunately, we live in this democracy," Barbetta added, "As a resident of the city of Snyder said, adding that Barbetta should Sarasota, I see a stagnant tax base, and if you come to the next City Commission meeting. guys don't redevelop … pursuing land-use "Do I think the city is emotionally ready to do changes … you're going to die. There's not this? The answer's, 'No.'" enough money coming in now to keep up with the expenses," he pointed out, alluding to the City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo said, "We city's difficulties in trying to figure out how need to really have a serious heart-to-heart to cover the costs of its pension plans and its with folks along the North [Tamiami] Trail and say, 'How serious are you about redeveloppolice force. ment?'" A transit system is an added municipal amenity, Barbetta noted. All thriving, successful cit- He asked the County Commission to give the ies in the United States offer such service, he City Commission at least 60 days to hold such discussions, adding he hoped his constituents added. would be able to understand the need to creAlthough the county BRT application pending ate a sounder fiscal future for the city. with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) focuses on use of the CSX railroad corridor, City Commissioner Terry Turner said he was Barbetta said, the U.S. 41 corridor is the only "very optimistic that in a two-year or 30-month one that makes sense of all the alternatives time frame, we could make very significant the two boards could consider. changes in land use." "You can have quality mixed use" along that U.S. 41 corridor, with redevelopment similar to Citrus Square downtown, Barbetta continued, "and end up with a super vibrant corridor that adds [tremendously] to your tax base." The effort would entail educating city residents about the multiple issues involved, Turner noted. Adding that the idea would have to be sold to neighborhood residents as well as business City Commissioner Shannon Snyder agreed owners, County Commissioner Nora Patterwith Barbetta regardson told the city coming the tax base. "We missioners, "If you are more than stagAs a resident of the city of Sarasota, guys really don't want nant," Snyder said. I see a stagnant tax base, and if you guys to undertake [this], However, he contindon't redevelop … you're going to die. it's dead to start with, ued, "From a politiThere's not enough money coming in now because you are the cal standpoint, I don't elected city leaders." to keep up with the expenses. think that we're ready Patterson also exto do the density that Joe Barbetta Commissioner pressed reservations is required to do what Sarasota County you describe." about whether the