Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/143399
Sarasota News Leader July 12, 2013 Over the past year, Commissioner Joe Barbetta has advocated for selling county-owned land declared surplus by the county, getting the property back on the tax rolls, while shedding costs. Page 38 commissioners Tuesday. It allows the county to consider a prospective development that would best bolster the economy of an area, even if the developers do not offer the highest bid, Grossman noted. He said Lobeck's charges mischaracterize the "There may be some public perception that purpose of the new ordinance. special deals are being cooked up that might "This is something that will help us accom- not be very popular," said Grossman, a 2013 plish a land-use vision and allow us to do pub- challenger for Longboat Key Town Commislic-private partnerships and achieve the best sion. "With that discretion, there is additional responsibility to say there are certain needs economic use for property," Barbetta said. that are being met." Modifying the ordinance is something the County Commission "should have done a Commissioners Hines and Christine Robinson agreed with Grossman. while ago," Barbetta added. The new ordinance gives the county the dis- Robinson said the new ordinance should help cretion to find the best deal as it tries to sell homeowners in situations when surplus counsurplus land, resident Larry Grossman told the ty-owned land borders residential communities. The historic courthouse — which is experiencing roof repairs — and the North County Jail are visible across the street from the North Washington Boulevard parking lot. Photo by Norman Schimmel