Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/223368
Sarasota News Leader December 6, 2013 Page 38 be a significant improvement over the current AN UNKNOWN situation, she added. AT OSPREY AVENUE "The [homeless] people are there. They are on the street," Patterson continued. "They are better off the street than on the street, from every perspective, including the perspective of downtown businesses." In his report, Marbut wrote of the property at 1330 N. Osprey Ave., "This is an ideal location," because it has existing buffers and space for additional buffering. The site could also be the least expensive land option. When it comes to funding a shelter, a strategy But a big question lies under the surface. will be necessary, Applebee said. "We will be looking at all sources, governmental, grants, A memo from City Manager Tom Barwin urgprivate." ing caution about an underground storage well on the property had some backers of shelter One new potential source of assistance could plans questioning whether Barwin supported be a proposed state revenue stream chamthe idea of a facility in the city limits. pioned by Florida Rep. Kathleen M. Peters and state Sen. Jack Latvala, both of Pinellas The mayor said changes made after Barwin County — the county with one of the coun- issued his original memo about the water-treattry's largest homeless populations. ment storage well put emphasis on an issue that initially did not seem worrisome. Snyder "County staff are monitoring that closely," added that he considered those changes in Applebee said about the state proposal. "We the memo evidence that the city manager was believe homelessness will be a big priority at pushing against the idea of a shelter at 1330 the Legislature." N. Osprey Ave. (From left) County Commissioner Nora Patterson, City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell, County Commissioner Christine Robinson, City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo and City Manager Tom Barwin participate in a joint meeting of their boards in October. Photo by Norman Schimmel