Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/264109
Consider the planning, zoning, building and other government requirements and reviews, plus soliciting approval from the city Planning Board and the City Commission itself, after sometimes stormy public hearings. In the case of the old Quay property, the enti- tlements are substantial, including permission for three 18-story buildings and one five-story structure, a 175-room hotel, 695 condomini- ums, 39,000 square feet of office space and 189,000 square feet of commercial space for retail, dining, drinking and dancing opportu- nities — plus parking for 1,638 cars. And the public hearings were stormy. The land is zoned "Downtown Bayfront," allowing the greatest height and density available under the city zoning code. When the former owner received a "development agreement" in 2007, that was good for 10 years, plus a one-year extension. Seven years later, GreenPointe says it needs more time to make preparations. Its representatives refer- ence "the bayside project." TANGLED SIGNATURES Mayor Fredd "Glossie" Atkins signed the orig- inal development agreement almost exactly seven years ago, on March 5, 2007. Nearly two years later, on Dec. 18, 2008, Mayor Lou Ann Palmer signed an amendment to the doc- ument, saying the development agreement would "automatically expire on Oct. 1, 2013 if a building permit for construction has not yet been issued." Hovering over her shoulder were architect Bruce Franklin and attorney Michael Furen, who signed as witnesses. The historic Belle Haven house sits just to the north of the Quay property. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader February 21, 2014 Page 10