Letter to the Editor: Sarasota 06.23.16

A resident takes issue with a proposed Stickney Point project — and asks a developer to give back to the neighboring community.

By Observer Staff
| 5:59 a.m. June 23, 2016

As Benderson Development advances plans for the Siesta Promenade project, a nearby resident wants the builder to consider the needs of a nearby neighborhood.

Sarasota
Opinion

Benderson Development should provide a park

Benderson Development’s Siesta Promenade plan is a clear illustration of when the connection to the land is through the head and not the heart.

Density, density — as seen this past tourist season, Memorial Day and probably this Fourth of July. We have reached capacity. We have witnessed serious traffic chaos entering Siesta Key, on our public beaches, parking areas and major difficulties leaving or entering Pine Shores neighborhood because of gridlock.

If the county commissioners, developers and builders’ goal is to further destroy the last remnants of Siesta Key and Pine Shores’ ambiance and create further seasonal and holiday bedlam, the Benderson project will succeed in doing that and more.

When the almighty dollar is more important than protecting our beaches from over development and preserving our quaint Pine Shores neighborhood, we will see the evaporation of all that was unique and pristine.

Too bad Benderson purchased land it now wants rezoned. I’m sure it was aware of the existing zoning. Its error should not create our hell.

Overbuilding is nothing more than greed. Pine Shores residents understand that developers consume everything, then move on, leaving our communities to cope and live with an over-stressed infrastructure.

A major concession is due here. Benderson Development should provide a park.

We do not want you. We want green space and the present zoning to be respected and unchanged. Sorry, no more special privileges.

I suggest this Fourth of July, Benderson executives and the county commissioners personally watch what goes on entering the Key and try getting a parking space at the public beach.

I also request their presence at our meetings, to see, hear and face the people who are personally affected by the consequences of this proposed development.

If they personally hear us, we will no longer be cold numbers. Perhaps they will consider the legacy of stewardship as an honor, instead of leaving a bad taste in our mouths when the Benderson name is mentioned.

Evelyn Alland
Sarasota