Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/231222
Sarasota News Leader December 20, 2013 contiguous city-owned lots along the Boulevard of the Arts. In one of his first acts in office, City Manager Tom Barwin proposed that the property — the site of a former community garden — be offered as a "catalyst project" to kick-start development of the Rosemary District. Page 20 "This is on the City Commission's strategic plan," said Planner Ryan Chapdelain of the proposal. "They are well aware of what we're doing here. We need to work out some of the basic obligations first — infrastructure and finances." The development team basically wants to give the city 43 new parking spaces in return for the deed to the land. With parking spaces having a current value between $25,000 and $30,000 apiece, that makes the offer worth a little more than $1 million. Only one team rose to the occasion, a congregation of locals including Dr. Mark Kauffman and his daughter, Mindy; architect Jonathan Parks, who has his own firm; builder Michael Beaumier; and planner Joel Freedman. No other proposals were received. However, the development team would also That did not make the sole offering the like for the city to lay a large sewer line down the boulevard and for the county to install a automatic winner. The panel had the ability new stormwater drainage pipe at the same to reject it and seek more bids or suggestime. Engineers estimate that would cost tions. But some panelists thought the plan $175,000. was worthy of moving to the next step, where city representatives will hammer out Before the committee members got bogged down in details, the developers' lawyer, additional details. Rosemary Square developers make their points in a presentation to a nine-member evaluation committee. Photo by Stan Zimmerman