Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/115375
Sarasota News Leader March 15, 2013 Matthews says that taken as a whole, the proposed changes would lead to "greater density, less green space, narrower corridors and buffers," as well as a host of other problems: "fewer mixed neighborhoods, less fiscal neutrality, wider roads, less verification of compliance" and more. Page 11 think there's a decent chance to fight these, a quite decent chance." Lourdes Ramirez, president of the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations, feels the same way. Ramirez attached her name to the counter-proposal to strengthen 2050 and is working to publicize the issue. With all that in mind, Matthews this week "I talked to several of my members during signed onto an alternative set of 22 2050 rec- our neighborhood expo," she tells the News Leader, "and they have a general idea of what ommendations, each it's all about. 'They're intended to strengthtalking about developen the plan. One recI don't think this is a done deal by ment east of 75 and urommendation, for example, would "de- any means. I think there's a decent ban sprawl — got it.'" But they're not diving crease the maximum chance to fight these [changes], a quite deep into planning density from five units decent chance. jargon. "We're relying of developed [acre] to Wade Matthews on you to get into the four, with the existing Conservation Chairman nitty-gritty," they told Sarasota Audubon Society bonus of one unit per Ramirez. acre for additional affordable housing." The document claims such So while your average Sarasotan may not a move would "reduce the excessive impact of grasp the nuances of how to properly dictate the urban developments in rural lands." buffer sizes, Ramirez says people are able to understand what is at stake, and she thinks A team of folks concerned about the devel- that will make a difference. opers' 2050 proposals — including Matthews and Jones — met with county staff last week "I'm optimistic; I really am," she says. "I'm to discuss their opposition. Jones says the not happy with the County Commission at all, employees were responsive. One particular and I know you can't control what they think, objection was simple: the formatting of the but when they see the opposition they will be list of proposed changes. Jones points out the pretty surprised." document does not make clear which devel- Catch the final Sarasota 2050 open house opers were consulted, or that the suggestions 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20; did not come from the county's Planning and Green Building Conference Room, Twin Development Services department. Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota. While some fighting the 2050 changes are pessimistic about their odds, Matthews believes the changes can be defeated. "I don't think this is a done deal by any means," he says. "I To join the county's Planning and Development Services email mailing list for updates about 2050, send your contact information to planner@scgov.net. %