Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/264109
development agreement. We're not wedded to 30 years. We think it makes sense to con- form to the current state statute that gives the ability to allow 30 years. We're not changing any uses." STONY GROUND Bailey asked for an "expedited" ZTA, waiving the need for a formal application and scrutiny by the Development Review Committee that is composed of senior city staffers. Instead, GreenPointe asked for a staff review of the change and then the quick scheduling of pub- lic hearings before the Planning Board and City Commission. O n c e t h e Z TA c h a n g e w a s f i n i s h e d , GreenPointe could apply for more than a one-year extension. Bailey was unclear about whether his client could ask for 30 additional years; just a total of 30, minus the seven that have already elapsed; or a lower number. In any case, GreenPointe could sit on the prop- erty for decades before applying for a building permit, all the while keeping its entitlements intact. While the entitlements and all they allow are valuable, saving time and money by avoiding a repetition of the permitting process, they also are a straightjacket. Significant changes to the site plan — moving the buildings to a different location, for example — would void the devel- opment agreement and trigger the necessity of reapplication. Bailey indicated GreenPointe did not want to meddle with the entitlements, but "What's approved is very intense. It's 11 pounds of nails in a 10-pound bag." The commissioners balked at the "expedited" ZTA. The two commissioners who previ- ously sat on the city's Planning Board led the discussion. Commissioner Susan Chapman said, "If we expedite this process, it gives a short leash to the public. But the project could be dead for 30 years. But we're expedit- ing the process." She moved to deny the request and Mayor Shannon Snyder passed the gavel to second it. "Every time we have expedited something of great public importance such as this, it has come back and the public has told us this isn't what they want," said Chapman. "It's creat- ing the protection for 30 years to extend a development agreement. That gives a great potential for speculation." Snyder and Chapman very seldom agree on controversial issues, but this time they were joined at the hip. "I agree with what Commissioner Chapman has said. We have only one shot at this," noted Snyder. "We do not have to do this. I'd rather wait another six months than grab the first thing that comes along." Vice Mayor Willie Shaw said, "I don't want us to be held hostage." And Commissioner Suzanne Atwell added she would also vote to deny the request. "We've got to do this right. I'm worried about 30 years, just sitting on it," she said. Only Commissioner Paul Caragiulo, an announced County Commission candidate, voted to support Bailey's request. "I'm at a loss. Are you are serious about redevelopment and extending the [Downtown Sarasota Community Redevelopment Agency]? I'm at a loss." After the 4-1 vote, Bailey's parting words were, "I'm concerned the wrong message was sent tonight." % Sarasota News Leader February 21, 2014 Page 14