Planning Commission considers changes to future Lakewood Ranch plans

Driving south on U.S. 41 from the North Trail into downtown Sarasota, Dr. Donal O’Shea was surprised by what he saw early last summer. Largely undeveloped and dotted with vacant storefronts, the five-mile stretch of highway that serves as a gateway to the city showed little sign of the educational hub he knew existed there.

The Manatee County Planning Commission today will hear proposed changes to future development plans for Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch is seeking modifications to its Northwest Sector Development of Regional Impact and General Development Plan. Modifications include exchanging 239 single-family units for 339 multi-family units, among others.

The Planning Commission will recommend approval or denial of the requests, which will then go to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners for consideration.

Other developments on the agenda include a rezone of 47 acres at 2004 Pope Road and a preliminary site plan for the University Groves project, north of University Parkway and just west of Tuttle Avenue.

To view a full agenda, click here.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].