Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/133618
Sarasota News Leader May 31, 2013 Page 19 When Patterson asked whether that was legal access, Kennedy responded, "Yes. Yes," though several people made the point later that it is illegal to trim mangroves. Kennedy noted the canal gives canoeists and kayakers access to the Roberts Bay Paddling Trail, which is identified as a blueway, or paddling route, in the county's master trail plan. Both Brian Lichterman, the agent working on behalf of the Baumanns, and the couple's attorney, David Levin of Icard Merrill in Sarasota, later disputed that fact. They provided a county map showing the distance of that canal access from the Roberts Bay Paddling Trail, which the map indicates is in the vicinity of Venice. "It's a future improvement in connectivity," Kennedy said of the Calle de Costa Rica site. Commissioner Christine Robinson. File photo ing to grant new easements, as required with A public canoe or kayak access to the canal is the right of way vacation. available about a quarter of a mile east of the site, Lichterman said. Nonetheless, the staff recommendation was for the commission not to approve the petiWhen Hines asked for confirmation of that, tion, Kennedy said, citing the Parks Policy Matt Osterhoudt, manager of the Natural ReRobinson later referenced as well as the exsources Department, responded that that alistence of a county water main in the right of ternate site is a stormwater spillway. Such arway. eas "are commonly used [for water access]," he added, but they are not appropriate for that Lichterman, president of Vision Planning & usage. Design of Sarasota, told the commission, "The original intent of the right of way by the counKennedy also pointed out that the right of way ty is no longer needed." provides easements to Comcast Cablevision, Verizon and Florida Power & Light Co. If the If the county vacated the right of way, he concommission chose to vacate the property, she tinued, the property could be put on the tax said, staff would need additional time to han- rolls, where it would generate income. dle the paperwork regarding those easements. Furthermore, Lichterman said, the property Staff memos and testimony on May 21 indi- has become "almost a littering site," with discate both the Baumanns and Silvers are will- carded bottles, foam cups and even car bat-