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square feet at a rental rate of $1.25 to $1.50 per square foot per month. This is the same figure cited for the second Sixth Street project, at Central Avenue, called Rosemary Square. One of the investors in the latter venture is veteran developer Dr. Mark Kauffman of Sarasota, who told The Sarasota News Leader he may apply for additional units as well under the triple-density plan. The two projects will add more than 500 rental units adjacent to downtown, filling a well-known need for housing for young professionals in the area. Coupled with entrepreneur Jesse Biter's plan for a 10-story rental complex on Second Street, which won city Planning Board approval last week, there could be plenty to choose from in a year or two. JUMP IN WATER RATES? The commissioners Monday also unanimously approved a motion to advertise a public hear- ing in response to the Utility Department's request for a 6-percent increase in water and sewer rates, beginning Oct. 1. That would be followed by another 6-percent boost the fol- lowing year and 4-percent annual increases for each of the following eight years. Why does the department need the money? About half of the funds would go toward replacing an aging pipeline to the Verna well field in central Sarasota County. That field has provided drinking water for custom- ers over the past half-century (it is a secure source of fresh water for the city), but the line needs replacement. That could cost about $13 million. The city sold the former site of the community garden on Sixth Street, enabling development to get under way in the Rosemary District. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader June 20, 2014 Page 43