Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/124273
Sarasota News Leader April 26, 2013 Page 46 In response to a question from The Sarasota News Leader, DeMarsh wrote in an email, "I would anticipate that the hearing would take place approximately 60 to 90 days from [April 24]." In settling the first of three lawsuits Brown has filed against the county since the fall of 2007 — all in some way related to parking issues in Siesta Village — the County Commission agreed to pay $35,000 and vacate a portion of its Ocean Boulevard right of way. Patterson said during the April 24 discussion, (Brown had been accused of allowing outside "I don't have a problem with the vacation of tables at the restaurant to encroach on that the right of way, [because it] does not appear county property.) to harm the public, and obviously it gives the business the opportunity to enhance itself." Reached by the News Leader shortly after the April 24 vote, Brown declined to comment beHowever, she added, "It's a little bit of a heart- cause of the pending public hearing. ache that that is part of a lawsuit, just like [the right of way on the Ocean Boulevard side However, his attorney, Morgan Bentley of of The Hub] that we vacated. … I do have a Bentley & Bruning in Sarasota, told the News problem with somebody settling a lawsuit and Leader in an email, "We are really glad that this issue has been resolved. We were slightcoming back for another bite at the apple." ly disappointed in Commissioner Patterson's She continued, "And while it may be cost-effec- comments that seemed to blame The Hub and tive not to spend money litigating this in court, Chris Brown for these cases. After all, if it weren't for the multiple actions of the County I think it kind of sends the wrong message." The Hub Baja Grill is adjacent to The Cottage on Avenida Messina in Siesta Village. Photo by Norman Schimmel