Sarasota City Commission District 2: Liz Alpert

Age: 75

Occupation: Attorney

Sarasota resident: 27 years

Why are you running for reelection?

I am running for re-election because although we have made great strides in the city of Sarasota in the past few years, there is still much to do. We finished the renovation of the Bobby Jones Golf Course and used part of it to create a nature park. We finished Phase 1 of The Bay and are into Phase 2. We passed an award-winning zoning change to tackle our affordable housing problem. We have momentum and I want to see that momentum continue with projects like updating our downtown master plan to improve on what we already have, provide more alternative transportation options, and build a new world-class performing arts center.

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

I am in favor of a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center. The initial concept plan by the architects is very exciting and was well received by the public. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a cutting-edge performing arts venue just like the Van Wezel was in its time. The TIF district was created to fund capital improvements at The Bay. When the TIF was created, leaders of both the county and city commissions were in favor of the TIF funds paying for a new performance venue. They recognized the economic impact for the entire region which has been estimated at $150 million annually. Due to the growth in the TIF area, the TIF should generate enough funds to pay for the new SPAC. We’re in the early stages of planning and will be evaluating as we move forward to ensure the plan is fiscally sound.

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 do not support additional taxpayer funding. This is why we created the TIF. If it does fall short, we will need to talk to the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation about their 50%, as well as looking at phasing the project over time. The beauty of doing four separate buildings is that it lends itself to phasing if needed. However, again, I want to emphasize that any plan must be fiscally sound.

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? 

The intent is to see how we can repurpose it for a financially sustainable use. 

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?

It depends. We already have private entities who are using public facilities through leases and/or concession agreements. These are facilities such as Lido Beach Pavilion, Marina Jack, O’Leary’s, Mattison’s, Salute’s outside area, Save Our Seabirds, Mote Marine, the Sailing Squadron, the Old Salty Dog, Marine Max, Hart’s Landing. My position is that it depends on what type of public/private partnership and Is it in the best interest of the city and its residents. The proposal for Ken Thompson Park is not in the best interest of the community, but The Players proposal is in the best interest.

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 reason we have a committee and want to bring in an expert is to look at the downtown master plan with fresh eyes and have them make recommendations. I am open to creative solutions. In addition, I want to get the public’s input and then let the process help determine what changes need to be made.

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?

We’ve already laid the foundation to create workforce housing in our downtown and in the commercial corridors. We changed the zoning to incentivize developers to include workforce housing in their projects in exchange for a density increase. Because the building height and size has not changed, the buildings won’t be larger. The units will be smaller. I’m proud to say our zoning amendments won an award from the Florida League of Cities for a Local Action Initiative. It solved a problem, and it is working. 

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

We created the vacation rental policies on the barrier islands in response to multiple complaints from residents regarding noise, trash and other code violations. The program has been successful. The complaints have decreased. We’ve now extended it to the mainland due to similar complaints from our residents. We hope to see the barrier islands results spread to the mainland. I am in support of the policies as they are. This will all help with increasing our supply of workforce housing.

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? 

There is a lot of development in the county. But in the city, we’ve actually added more green space: The Bay, Bobby Jones Nature Park, Avion Park and Overtown Square. We will be adding even more at The Bay as the subsequent phases are developed. Much of the development in the City is due to the Downtown Master Plan which is over 20 years old. The Plan was created to revitalize the downtown and it has worked. We now are bringing in an expert to work with the community to review the plan and focus on how we develop over the next 20 years.

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

1. Keeping our arts and cultural organizations in the City.
2. Updating the Downtown Master Plan to manage the growth.
3. Continued work on providing workforce housing.

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

The Sarasota Police Department has done an exemplary job regarding public safety. Last year, violent crime in the city was down by 16.5%. I support them fully. We’ve sworn in 16 new officers in the past year and are considering authorizing the hiring of four more. I have consistently voted to support them and provide them with the tools they need to do their job. 

I am proud to be endorsed by the Sarasota Police Officer Association Local 6045.