Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/360116
from past proposals that might satisfy those who say a shelter will further tax neighbor- hoods and businesses already struggling with a growing homeless population and crime. "I am open to having [the shelter] further out, but I don't mean out by Interstate 75," Atwell said. County Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson, however, has a less optimistic view on the possibility of a partnership with the city after the city commissioners made it clear they do not want to work with the county. When asked if there is any hope at this point that the two local governments will be able to work collaboratively in the future on a shelter for homeless adults, Robinson told the News Leader, "None whatsoever." County Commissioner Joe Barbetta agreed. "I think the rope has been cut and the ties have been cut," Barbetta said. "We have gone back and forth over the past few months. We hired a consultant. [The city commissioners] didn't like what they heard, and we did." For Barbetta, the City Commission's action on July 21 was very clear. At that meeting, the City Commission withdrew from the months- long process of creating a community shelter. After voting unanimously on the decision, the city commissioners directed City Manager Tom Barwin to relay the news in a "breakup letter" to the county commissioners, who earlier had sent the City Commission a letter asking whether it was still interested in work- ing with the county on the project. Homeless people continue to gather at and in the vicinity of Selby Public Library in downtown Sarasota. Photo by Norman Schimmel We cut the ties, but we did not cut the rope. Suzanne Atwell Commissioner City of Sarasota Sarasota News Leader August 8 & 15, 2014 Page 39