2050 debate on tap for County Commission

Key elements of the Sarasota 2050 comprehensive plan will be up for discussion at this week’s Sarasota County Commission meetings.

On Tuesday County Commissioners will review the results of a study on the financial impact of modifying the fiscal neutrality provision of the 2050 plan. The report was conducted by consultants Laffer and Associates and cost the county $90,000.

Modifying the fiscal neutrality requirement of the Sarasota 2050 Resource Management Area policy is one of several key changes to plan, which was designed to moderate East County growth, up for review by the commission this week.

On Wednesday the County Commission will also decide whether to proceed with an amendment to the existing 2050 plan that will alter regulations relating to village, hamlet and settlement area regulations, fiscal neutrality, timing provisions, affordable housing, land use mix requirements, modification processes, urbanism/form based standards, village size requirements, open space/green belt/greenway requirements, roadway character requirements, and other standards for settlement areas, villages, and hamlets.

On Monday the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) pushed back in advance of anticipated support for the changes by county commissioners.

“It's a key issue,” CONA Vice President Cathy Antunes said, referring to the changes to 2050 up for consideration this week. “Probably the most important one for Sarasota County’s economic future.”

Other items up for discussion at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting, include:

• Proposals for new boating slow-speed areas near Marina Jack.
• To consider a proposed resolution relating to the financing of an interfund loan in the amount of $2.2 million from the general to provide initial funding for the North County Sports Complex Property Purchase Project.
• Public hearing to consider a proposed resolution relating to the boundaries and scope of work for the Fruitville Initiative Special Planning Area No. 3, for the east Fruitville development located north and south of Fruitville Road, immediately east of Interstate 75 (I-75).
• To approve a contract with Gator Grading and Paving, LLC, for construction of the Honore Avenue and Richardson Road Roundabout Project, in the amount of $1.12 million.

The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m., on Nov. 19, at the Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

 Contact Nolan Peterson at [email protected]