Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/97647
Sarasota News Leader December 7, 2012 THE 3-2 VOTE The petitioners say the majority of the Planning Board members did not follow the zoning code and instead were swayed by the promise of 350 retail jobs, 500 construction jobs and the lure of an improved tax base. The final vote of that board was 3-2. Page 14 ria in my opinion or the standards for site plan approval. I won't support it." Planning Board Member Vlad Svekis supported Walmart's site plan. He said, "It's 350 jobs versus a derelict shopping center." His colleague, Morton Siegel, said, "The bottom line is, we need Walmart in this commuA minority on the Planning Board said the nity. I think you'll be very pleased with what store did not fit the definition of neighborhood they'll do in this community." commercial zoning. "For me it's a department store, and that is not allowed," said Planning When neighbors walked out that night, there Board Member Jennifer Ahearn-Koch. "I can- was no fire in their eyes to challenge Amerinot support this." ca's largest retailer. But two weeks later at a Planning Board Member Susan Chapman, who regular monthly meeting, the Alta Vista Neighlater announced her candidacy for City Com- borhood Association voted 26-1 to dip into mission said, "There is nothing about this plan its treasury and contribute $400 to appeal the that is small-scale. They haven't met the crite- Planning Board vote. The newest Sarasota Walmart would be constructed on the site of the Ringling Shopping Center downtown. Photo by Norman Schimmel