Sarasota City Commission District 1: Kyle Battie

Age: 56

Occupation: City commissioner

Sarasota resident: 51 years

Why are you running for election or reelection?

I am running to help Sarasota be a city which respects its history while managing its future. Sarasota has evolving needs, as does my district. We cannot make plans for the unknown, but we can be prepared for the unexpected. We have come a long way in that regard, but we have more work to do.

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

The drawings for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center are truly visionary. The new center will be an iconic addition to our city. The TIF is a proper funding source for this project as are reasonable monies coming from the city, the county and the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation through its previous commitment of private contributions. 

It’s not as matter of if a performing arts center is built locally in the next 20 years, it’s a matter of where it will be built. The arts are a part of who we are and our residents deserve a premier and modern performing arts center to accommodate top talent. The TIF is a logical approach to match the private and philanthropic funding in a way that doesn’t raise the cost of living for the general public.

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? 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 do support having the general public subsidize the construction of the facility. Fortunately, due to the strong performance of the established funding mechanisms, I don't believe the funding will fall short. Generous contributions from our philanthropic community, the TIF district — which capitalizes on increased property values around the venue without raising taxes — and a user fee included in ticket prices will provide sufficient funding for the project. 

I hope to see the Van Wezel repurposed as a complementary venue, offering unique experiences for our residents that don't currently exist like an open-air amphitheater or a new home for an arts organization looking to expand and invest in the facility.

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?

Any public-private partnership on public property must enhance the experience and provide real value to our residents. For instance, a café in a park or a food vendor at the beach offers amenities that local government may not be equipped to provide — after all, you wouldn’t want me cooking your lunch at the beach pavilion. However, I strongly oppose any partnership that detracts from the public experience or gives away public land without delivering significant benefit to the community.

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.

I would like to hear input from the community and urban design experts. Downtown is a heartbeat of our city. It should be a comfortable, accessible and pleasant place for all residents. As an economic hub, any changes made cannot undermine that role. We've made great strides with new transportation infrastructure and filled storefronts with thriving restaurants and small businesses. However, there is still more we can do to enhance the visitor experience, such as continuing to invest in wider sidewalks to make the city more walkable, and expanded outdoor dining options.

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?

This commission has made historic, long-overdue changes to our zoning code that prioritize affordable housing over the luxury condos previously mandated by our old building code. While these efforts will take time to fully materialize, they have already been recognized as an award-winning approach by resident-friendly organizations like the Florida League of Cities. In addition to this, we’ve partnered with the housing authority and expanded accessory dwelling options to further support our residents.

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

Any policy we implement must strike a balance between allowing residents to supplement their income by renting out their property and ensuring that neighbors can peacefully enjoy their own homes. There’s a significant difference between a 12-plus bedroom vacation rental on the beach and a homeowner occasionally renting a room to visitors. We need to continue refining our approach to maintain that balance.

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? 

While concerns about overdevelopment in our region are valid, it's important to recognize that the city of Sarasota, which occupies a small fraction of the area, has been largely developed for some time. What we are focusing on in the city is redevelopment, which must strike a balance between preserving our city's identity and culture and addressing the improvements needed in certain areas. 

According to the data, our city's population hasn't seen dramatic growth, but the region's population has increased significantly, and we must adapt accordingly. Change is inevitable — the key is how we manage it. If we don’t manage change, it will manage us.

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

I would rate the SPD 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 with regard to public safety. The safety of our residents is one of our top responsibilities, and the Sarasota Police Department provides top-tier community policing. While the numbers reflect the strong work being done, there is still progress to be made in reducing gun violence, an issue affecting communities across the nation. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own neighborhood, and the SPD, under the leadership of our police chief, remains responsive to the thoughts, concerns, and needs of our citizens. 

Some key initiatives include the creation of a Real-Time Operations Center at SPD, staffed with four full-time crime analysts who use advanced technology to safeguard the community. The department has also completed a High Visibility Enforcement program aimed at improving pedestrian and bicycle safety. Additionally, SPD has implemented the Active Bystandership (ABLE) for Law Enforcement program, a research-based initiative designed to prevent misconduct, reduce police errors and promote officer health and safety. Sarasota PD is one of only six agencies in Florida to adopt ABLE. Through Operation Safe Summer, the department also successfully recovered 34 illegal firearms, a months-long effort to reduce gun violence and enhance community safety.

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

1. Working to address the skyrocketing cost of living and affordable housing for our residents.
2. Protecting and enhancing the environment, our parks and water quality.
3. Managing growth ensuring there is adequate investment in infrastructure.