Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/239386
Sarasota News Leader January 10, 2014 The units would be "market-rate," said Freedman, costing about $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom unit. The project would include two-bedroom and "a few" three-bedroom units. "The average size of the units will be about 900 square feet," he said. Page 48 great turnout, so you can see there is a lot of passion around this issue." In a brief interview after the meeting, Weiner said he closed on the property about nine months ago, and he plans to retain ownership after the building is finished. "I hope my chilEach building would have a pool and other dren will continue to receive income from it," "upscale amenities." The "face" of the devel- he added. opment would be along Cocoanut and He and his wife have been visiting and living Boulevard of the Arts (Sixth Street). in Sarasota for the past 25 years, starting with A question was raised about traffic gener- trips to see his parents. He said any number of ated by approximately 450 new units. Merrill studies show downtown urban environments said a traffic study might be required, but he are increasingly attractive across a wide range reminded the audience the area is already of demographics, and that demand for downzoned for 1,700 new units. "The number of town residences will only increase. "We're trips generated will be the same," he pointed doing what the market needs," he added. out. The next step for the project is a formal appliQuestions also were raised about the drop-off cation to change the comprehensive plan, and pick-up areas for students at the Sarasota followed by a public hearing before the city School of Arts and Sciences along Florida Planning Board in April. That would be folAvenue. Freedman said he was aware of such lowed by a second public hearing, before issues (he has a child at Bay Haven School for the City Commission in May. The package Basics Plus in Sarasota), and he would work then would go to state government offices with the school and developer to ease any in Tallahassee for review, returning for addiproblems. tional public hearings in Sarasota in August or September. Further questions were brought up about noise and light pollution. One neighbor asked In the meantime, the architect will need to where the heating and air conditioning units develop both site plans and building plans. would be located. "If they're on the roof, Once permits were received, construction I'm going to hear them," the neighbor said. would take 14 to 16 months, a contractor Another pointed out, "Five hundred units and estimated. 1.5 cars per unit is not going to contribute to One resident of the Renaissance high-rise the area." condominium between U.S. 41 and Cocoanut Noting the meeting was held on the coldest Avenue said, "I'd rather look at this than night of the year, one person said, "This is a what's there now." %