Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
HIGH HOPES Land to the east of Coburn Road falls within the boundaries of the proposed Fruitville Initiative. All photos by Roger Drouin SEVERAL OF THE AFFECTED PROPERTY OWNERS SAY THEY ARE RELIEVED THE FRUITVILLE INITIATIVE IS MOVING FORWARD AFTER A THREE-YEAR DELAY By Roger Drouin County Editor Developer Wayne Ruben expects the Fruitville Road area east of Interstate 75 to bloom once the county sets into motion a long-planned and ambitious Fruitville Initiative that would rezone more than 300 acres. leave the area," Ruben said. "We hope we can create that and fill a void." Ruben's vision became more plausible Tuesday, Nov. 19, as the Sarasota County commissioners approved the boundaries for the Fruitville Initiative Special Planning Area, An important part of this process which includes rezonis to promote economic development and ing the approximately 300 acres. Ruben, who owns property in that area, envisions a commercial hub. "An create jobs, so our children have jobs and important part of this process is to promote don't have to leave the area. We hope we economic develop- can create that and fill a void. ment and create jobs, Wayne Ruben Developer so our children have jobs and don't have to The vote is the latest phase in the Initiative, the county's master plan outlining a mixeduse "gateway village" east of I-75.