Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/180498
Sarasota News Leader September 27, 2013 Page 63 He called for a motion allowing Benderson to move ahead with the redevelopment minus the sidewalk on U.S. 41. Commissioner Christine Robinson seconded the motion, voicing frustration with the state transportation department. "I am really, really upset with FDOT," Robinson said. "If the governor knew FDOT was holding up redevelopment, his head would pop off." Robinson added that the state agency was "talking out of both sides of its mouth." "If [FDOT] really wanted a sidewalk there, they would be helping and wouldn't hold up permitting," Robinson said. A photo shows the view of U.S. 41, looking south at Club Drive. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Parking is limited in the plaza that once housed Linens n Things, she added. "I do not Hines said he wanted to see the site redebelieve to redevelop this property they should veloped, and he concurred that a sidewalk have to give up parking to build a sidewalk." was needed. A bond agreement could be one means of allowing the developer to put in However, in a 3-2 vote, Patterson, along with the sidewalk within six months or a year afChairwoman Carolyn Mason and Vice Chair- ter the completion of the plaza upgrades, he man Charles Hines, shot down Barbetta's pointed out. motion. The commission would have to vote on the sidewalk agreement and the bond amount. A POSSIBLE AGREEMENT That action cleared the way for a motion by Patterson to delay the sidewalk approval until county staff could work out an agreement with Benderson. That agreement would require the firm to build the sidewalk sometime after the plaza redevelopment has been completed. Benderson would likely be required to obtain a bond and construct both sidewalks within five years. "An agreement needs to be worked out and brought back to the commission for ratification," said County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh. The issue of where to place the sidewalk on the edge of the property along U.S. 41 still remains a challenge. Patterson's motion called for it to be situated on FDOT right of way. She said she planned to call FDOT District One Secretary Billy Hattaway to talk with him, to determine whether a solution could be worked out. %