Village vandalism highlights problems

If Siesta Village had been designed with future development in mind, perhaps the 46 condominiums of Terrace East would, instead, have been hotel rooms.

However, development of the Village came in spurts over the last 20 years, which left the tower located just to the south of a tight cluster of bars.

The proximity between the two areas has led to disputes about noise levels in the Village, such as the recent complaints highlighted in the May 3 issue of the Pelican Press, as well as parking and litter. But the Saturday, May 12 destruction of a concrete vase and light fixture on the privacy wall separating the condo and the Village shows noise isn’t the only problem.

Peter van Roekens, vice president of the Siesta Key Association, was the complainant in the police report. In fact, several SKA members reside in Terrace East, leading some residents to worry that the vandalism may be related to an article in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune about the organization, said SKA President Catherine Luckner.

Luckner says she works closely with members of the Siesta Key Village Association to ensure residents and merchants get along. Russell Matthes, president of the Siesta Key Village Association, gave a brief presentation at the latest SKA meeting, and several members belong to both.

“We’ve always worked together and gotten along,” Luckner said.

It’s likely the vandals had no agenda. But the incident highlights a problem that has been overshadowed by the noise issue: Village patrons’ behavior after the bars close. But, with Sarasota County Commissioners still mulling a solution for containing the Village’s din, it may simmer until next season.