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Stabilization Unit" at the same time it empha- sizes the need to situate the facility "within a short walking distance of existing programs." Nor does it give any idea of what a "short drive" might entail. These criteria have been cited repeatedly by the county commissioners and Marbut as the reason to require a shelter be built not just in the city but also close to downtown — despite the contradiction and ambiguity. However, Sarasota city commissioners have been deluged with public comments about sit- ing the come-as-you-are shelter on the north side of town. Homeowners, business own- ers, not-for-profit organizations and even one member of the city Planning Board stepped up to the podium Monday to express opposition to that plan. "If you build it, they will come. The more services are provided, the more people will take advantage of them," said Planning Board member Vlad Svekis. "You will create an enclave near Newtown, and Newtown does not need any other stresses." Or, as Joseph Bessard, the president of the Park East Neighborhood Association, put it, "What part of 'No' are you not getting?" SITE ROULETTE Staff of the city and county has looked at 80 parcels. Marbut's report listed 10 viable shelter locations. Only one remained available after seven months, a city-owned parcel on Osprey Avenue immediately north of the municipal sewer treatment plant. Of the 13 viable sites ultimately listed (three more were added after November), two were withdrawn by their owners as not for sale, one was rejected by the City Commission and nine were never seriously considered. The two finalist sites were the subject of the June 23 joint city-county meeting. A decision City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo listens to a speaker. Sarasota News Leader June 27, 2014 Page 52