Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/297477
"We need deadlines to get this done," Robinson added of the Sarasota initiative. Robinson pointed out earlier this week that the Osprey Avenue site, which is city-owned, and the East Avenue site are the "most ideal," according to criteria used by Marbut. But any votes on them would depend on the information contained in the Cardno report, Robinson cautioned the day before the report was slated to be released. City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo told the News Leader that while no site will be popu- lar for a shelter, a positive aspect of the 1330 Osprey Ave. parcel is that it is surrounded to a degree by industrial uses and therefore buffered from homes. That property has been Marbut's top recom- mendation for a come-as-you-are shelter for the chronic homeless. "By [Marbut's] parameters, that site makes the most sense," Caragiulo said. T h e c i t y - o w n e d p r o p e r t y i s z o n e d Governmental, which could make its tran- sition to a shelter smoother if the facility is operated by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, as intended, Caragiulo added. Although the county commissioners have been unanimous in their support of a shelter in the city, they have said a lack of political will at City Hall, especially a lack of urgency on the part of some administrative officials, has hindered the process. Vice Mayor Willie Shaw and City Commissioner Susan Chapman have reiterated their opposition to a city shelter project on numer- ous occasions. Shaw did vote in favor of considering a third potential site on North Lime Avenue, but city staff discovered soon afterward that the parcel was not available for sale or lease for a shelter. A growing number of residents and some downtown business owners have voiced concerns about a homeless shelter in north Sarasota close to Sarasota Military Academy, the Pines of Sarasota retirement home and planned redevelopment that has been slow to happen. Chapman told the News Leader that the Osprey Avenue site, which will be home to a deep-injection well, is a city utility loca- tion and should maintain that status only. She would prefer other sites outside the city limits be considered, perhaps in mid-county — something that has not been done, she pointed out. "I don't think the two sites they are looking at are appropriate," Chapman said. But she added that she realizes she is "in the minority." "I'm out-voted," Chapman said, "and I accept I am out-voted." The joint meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers, located at 1660 Ringling Blvd. in downtown Sarasota. City Editor Stan Zimmerman contributed to this report. % Sarasota News Leader April 18, 2014 Page 17