Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/231222
Sarasota News Leader December 20, 2013 Page 91 Siesta Seen permit on Oct. 24 for 5025 Higel Ave. for the installation of "two rows of bricks to hold soil and mulch from spilling into the right-of-way" as stated in the permit description. Mast explained that in regard to the wall in the right of way, the work completed on the site is in keeping with the permit "and serves the purpose in keeping the ditch free from yard and landscaping debris." He supplied photos (some of which accompany this article) to illustrate his points. Referencing them in the memo, Mast noted, "As you can see this is not a hindrance to drainage or traffic along Higel Ave. and it is reasonable to permit this in the County [right of way]. The swale on this yard is at the highest point of the road and is therefore the shallowest swale in this immediate location." drainage. "Many times this is perpetuated by homeowners gradually filling in their ditches (with dirt or landscaping) and adequate drainage conveyances are non-existent. This issue has been given plenty of attention this past summer due to the unusual amount of rainfall. If there is any violation it is with the homeowners that install planting in the County ROW without a permit. These violations only continue to exacerbate the drainage issues on Siesta Key and elsewhere in the County." Mast's recommendation was for the culvert and swale to be cleared appropriately before county staff gives its final approval for work allowed under the permit issued to the resident at 5025 Higel Ave. County spokesman Curt Preisser further pointed out in a Dec. 17 email, "Please bear He added that the complainant was correct in mind this update has not been sent to the in pointing out that the swale had been over- [county commissioners] yet and they could filled with shell and that the culvert had been give staff additional direction." blocked. "The owner has been instructed to remove an adequate amount of shell and to EAT HERE'S PARKING ISSUE clean the entire culvert under the driveway Regular readers may recall a July story in on the south side of the property." which I explained that county Zoning and As for the driveway, Mast wrote that it was Code Enforcement staff had been made aware "in place" at the time the right of way permit that Eat Here Siesta Key is not in compliapplication was made and issued. "There is ance with the parking plan the county zoning no permitting requirement for a driveway in Sarasota County," he added. "If a request administrator approved before the restaurant had been issued for a culvert permit, it would opened in December 2012. have been denied as the swale is too shallow The plan created by Siesta architect Mark to accommodate culverts." Smith, at the direction of property owner John Mast further noted that Higel Avenue, along Davidson, showed 52 spaces available for Eat with much of Siesta Key, lacks adequate Here patrons on Avenida Madera in Siesta