Sarasota Livin'

Just the highlights ... I was glad to see the people from Laurel Park lead by neighborhood Association President Kate Lowman and even "very" professional planner Bruce Franklin who lives in the neighborhood and spoke for "free" to support his neighborhood.

I was very happy to see the Planning Board and staff agreed with the neighborhood -- which had recently voted on the future of the neighborhood ... to quote an email from Kate,

This survey was given to Laurel Park residents and owners by the city at Payne Park on April 16. It consisted of 18 photos and statements and was designed to measure respondents’ desires for future development in Laurel Park. According to city figures, 71% of respondents voted to retain RSM-9, Laurel Park’s existing zoning. In addition, participants favored a maximum two stories rather than three, no increase in density, and no new commercial development. The majority response to every question supports the retention of RSM-9 zoning. The questions and responses were as follows:

• I want the City to retain the current RSM-9 zoning that is in place today. 71% YES
Resident Owners: 82% YES

• The number of residential units on individual lots should be increased in Laurel Park. 80% NO
Resident Owners: 84% NO

• I would like to see a limited amount of commercial retail and office development in Laurel Park (i.e. corner stores and offices located in housing structures. 69% NO
Resident Owners: 82% NO

• Non-residential land uses (i.e. offices or stores) should be allowed in historic structures in Laurel Park. 65% NO
Resident Owners: 75% NO

• New buildings in Laurel Park should not exceed two stories in height. 75% YES
Resident Owners: 81% YES

• New apartment buildings should be allowed to be built in Laurel Park. 67% NO
Resident Owners: 70% NO

Great job everyone. You have a great neighborhood its good to see your work taken seriously.

... after I first published this ...

During discussion with the Board new Commission Fulker questioned why should this neighborhood have such unique zoning and questioning much of what the residents had said about the future of the neighborhood ... Chairman Shelton brought it back home saying that he supported the residents and that what the Board was voting on was not the same as what the exact zoning type was.