Sarasota News Leader

10/04/2013

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Sarasota News Leader October 4, 2013 Page 54 $12 million, so the 2-mill DID levy would be $24,000. When it was clear the DID board was not going to offer up $8,000 to demolish the landscaping around the Ellis Building and fill in the space with concrete, Fineberg said he had another meeting to attend and left the room. One possible reason for Fineberg's fury is the nature of the clientele that might be interested in the building's ground floor. A restaurant could apply for a city permit and cover any available concrete with tables. CONDO MEMBERSHIP IN DID PUT ON HOLD A plan was proposed two weeks ago to allow downtown condominium complexes to join Ernie Ritz is chairman of the Downtown Improvement District (DID). Photo courtesy of DID the DID. The idea was presented by Ron Rayevich, chairman of the residents' associa- Ritz raised a number of other questions. tion at the Plaza at Five Points. Chairman Ritz Would this residential member vote on all DID issues or only those pertaining to safety, was absent from that meeting. security and cleanliness? How would this perRitz was present this week, though, and he son be chosen? challenged the idea. One aspect of the change would put a resident on the DID board, which DID board member Dr. Mark Kaufman was is composed of commercial property owners. a major advocate of the condo membership "We already have two downtown residents on proposal two weeks ago, but this week he this board," said Ritz. "Me and Tom Mannausa was absent from the meeting, as was Peter Fanning, president of the Downtown Sarasota live downtown." Condominium Association. DID board memRayevich proposed that condo residents pay bers indicated their views on the matter one-half mill in taxes to the DID, with the would be welcome. money promised for downtown safety, security and cleanliness. That figure is one-quarter Rather than continue the dialogue this of the 2-mill levy paid by commercial prop- week then, Ritz said, "We're going to postpone this." % erty owners.

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