Sarasota City Commission District 3: Erik Arroyo

Age: 34

Occuplation: Attorney

Resident of Sarasota: 18 years

Why are you running for reelection?

I am running for re-election because I believe that working families deserve a voice on the City Commission. Growing up in Sarasota and now raising my family here, I am running so I can give back to the community that has afforded me so much. 

Over the past years, I’ve worked to ensure that we lower taxes and fees, to provide record investment in public safety, which has yielded a record low in most crime statistics, and to address cost of living and quality of life matters. But our work isn’t done. I’m committed to continuing to work with our residents to tackle the big challenges ahead and create a future where all of us can thrive. 

I’ve listened to the community’s concerns and collaborated on solutions, and I am ready to build on the successes we’ve achieved. Together, we can continue to shape a stronger, more resilient community for the next generation.

What is your position on plans for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center and funding via the TIF district?

While we are a city of the arts and should strive to cultivate and support our arts and cultural scene, we presently don’t have all of the information we need. We do not know how much the project will cost. Until recently, we did not have renderings of what the performing arts center could potentially look like. I believe it is still too early to make a final determination and we should be gathering as much data and community input as possible. 

While there is an argument that using tax increment financing (TIF) funds would have a minimal impact on taxpayers, an estimated ticket price of $300 million dollars, of which half would come from the taxpayer-funded TIF district, is something that we, as a community, need to scrutinize. When we do, it should be with open eyes and an open mind.

What are your thoughts about additional taxpayer funding if TIF funds and private contributions fall short of what is needed and, if so, from where should additional funding come? 

I would not be in favor of providing additional funds if the TIF district falls short of its commitments. In fact, during our deliberations, I argued in favor of including language for a “non-recourse bond” so that our general fund and city services would not be impacted in such a situation. The TIF is over performing and exceeding all original expectations in revenue, and I believe the district will provide sufficient support.

Assuming the new performing arts center is built, a decision will be required of city commissioners on what to do with the Van Wezel. To keep it functional or remodeled for re-use in all likelihood will require millions of dollars of ongoing funding. From whom should that funding come? The TIF district? City property taxpayers only? City and county taxpayers? 

I encourage everyone to reach out to Mary Bensel, the executive director of the Van Wezel, and request a tour of the facility better to understand its current condition. While Mary has done an amazing job bringing world-class performances to Sarasota, the Van Wezel itself has been deteriorating over time. This year, it became our most significant insurance liability, prompting the city to opt for self-insurance due to steep annual cost increases. 

Given the situation, we must consider the future of the Van Wezel. Two potential options include: (1) preserving the structure for its historic value by converting it into an open-air amphitheater, or (2) lease the facility to another organization committed to investing in its historic preservation and ongoing maintenance.

Private use of city properties such as parks and city-owned buildings has been a major topic of discussion. Recent examples are The Players and Payne Park Auditorium and Ride Entertainment’s proposal for Ken Thompson Park. How do you view such public/private partnerships with regard to city assets?

There are two kinds of commercial activity in parks: public and private. Public/private partnerships can be very beneficial to activating a park and providing amenities to further the city resident’s enjoyment of the park. I am in favor of enhancing and activating parks for the public. Commercialization of parks or public spaces for private purposes should not occur. For example, I’m against some of the leases where we give private members’ clubs the ability to use public property because they are restrictive in nature.

Conversely, I’m in favor of more public uses adjacent to parks, such as the skating rink and Café in the Park (Payne), the tennis courts, and the leases pertaining to concessions, to name a few, as these vendors benefit the general public and enhance an area despite being a commercial use. Sometimes the question lies in our perspective on the “activation” of a park. Parks are a public amenity and need to appeal to a broad range of residents. From the children to the elderly and from all walks of life.

The City Commission is creating an ad-hoc committee to provide recommendations for a downtown master plan update. Please cite some specific changes you think need to be made to the plan. 

The Downtown Master Plan was adopted with the mandate of being updated every few years. This did not happen and now we are still operating under the “Downtown 2020 Plan” that was adopted in the early 2000s. Overall, it’s been successful in cultivating a more pedestrian-friendly, modern downtown experience than when I grew up here. Some specific changes I would like to see our community consider:

• Allow for the use of roof space on downtown buildings. Either for additional green space to cool our city down, pools, events, etc.
• Wider sidewalks that are pedestrian-friendly. 
• Beautification of streets and sidewalks and improvement and functional use of safe alleys for residents.
• Allow for “missing middle” housing and the conversion of vacant commercial spaces to residential to provide for attainable housing.
• A pedestrian boardwalk overpass from Main Street over Tamiami Trail onto the bayfront.

What changes, if any, do you think the city should make in its efforts to attract more workforce housing downtown and in commercial corridors and neighborhoods?

While our commission over the last four years has done more in this arena than ever before and quickly becoming a model, our city should greatly incentivize small workforce housing projects and accessory dwelling units by eliminating some of the current barriers that exist that prevent our residents from taking advantage of these useful affordable housing tools. 

Additional density is also needed. Our maximum density allowed, as a matter of right, is 50 units an acre. In an 18-story building on one acre, that is the equivalent of just under three dwelling units per floor. The reason we are only seeing luxury housing downtown is because that is all that has been allowed until recently.

What is your position on the city's vacation rental policies. What, if anything, should be changed? 

I have voted against and continue to oppose the expansion of the vacation rental registration ordinance citywide. It was originally passed to address “hotel houses” on Lido. At some point, it became an anti-vacation rental ordinance. It is an additional tax that comes with additional requirements for property owners, additional inspections, paperwork and red tape. It also requires additional city staff and funds. It is an intrusion on homeowner rights intended to deter a specific use of someone’s property.

People say there is too much over-development in Sarasota. Do you agree, and if so, what do you think should be done? What are your thoughts on how the city should address the continued growth? 

We need responsible growth policies where development pays for itself and is not subsidized by taxpayers, where the infrastructure is self-sustaining and where traffic mitigation strategies are consistently exercised. People tend to conflate the issues of development in Sarasota County with the issue of re-development in the city of Sarasota. 

Urban sprawl occurs in the county, not the city. The city of Sarasota is fully built out, so it is a different analysis. A critical component of the analysis is to ensure the infrastructure is adequate to accommodate any redevelopment that occurs. That’s why I voted to create more transportation options and water infrastructure improvements. While the county has to address expansion and development into rural areas, we see the redevelopment of existing structures in favor of newer ones in the city. We need to ensure that the redevelopment that does occur in the city is compatible with existing surrounding uses.

How do you rate the performance of the Sarasota Police Department with regard to public safety? 

Our leadership at the police department is top-notch, the culture has been turned around just over the last few years, and the commission has made record investments in public safety resulting in record lows or near-lows across the board on crime statistics. We need to stay one step ahead and continue to invest in our first responders so that every neighborhood is safe for all residents.

What do you see as the three top concerns the City Commission should address if you are elected?

1. We need to continue to lower the cost of living in Sarasota. I’m proud of the fact that we have lowered taxes two years in a row and passed additional tax relief for low-income seniors. I will continue to fight to keep city services fees low and make Sarasota a more affordable place for our residents.
2. It is important to ensure that the environment and water quality are priority issues in the city. That’s why I supported the conservation easement over Bobby Jones to prevent the development of 261 acres within the heart of District 3. I’m proud to have pushed for the renovation of Bobby Jones and its nature park, along with other investments in parks all over the city.
3. Focusing on and investing in infrastructure is crucial for Sarasota’s long-term sustainability and quality of life. This includes maintaining and upgrading our transportation and water infrastructure to meet demands. With the successful introduction of alternative transportation options such as e-scooters and the open-air trolley system connecting downtown to the beaches, we have made significant strides in reducing traffic congestion and enhancing mobility. By continuing to prioritize traffic solutions alongside efforts to create a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city, Sarasota will become more accessible and livable.