Payne Park is an open green space. It
Perhaps, the orchestra could move to Ringling shopping center, Gillespie Park or Pioneer Park, or the old grounds of the Players Theatre, instead.
The costs of moving the tennis courts and bulldozing a pond that is home to many birds is too much. Especially since Payne Park was constructed at a cost of $9 million in 2007, after the demolition of the baseball park.
The orchestra should remain in the arts district, near the Boulevard of the Arts, not Payne Park. It is tragic that the Players is moving to Manatee County. It, too, should be kept in Sarasota.
3 weeks ago Share Despite some resident concerns, officials are optimistic allowing small secondary residences on single-family properties will help address an affordable housing shortage.
A majority of the City Commission has expressed support for an ordinance that would allow accessory dwelling units on single-family properties throughout Sarasota, though not on the barrier islands.
In a 4-1 vote on Feb. 17, the commission directed staff to revise a proposal that would have allowed accessory dwelling units by-right in five neighborhoods. Although staff initially limited its focus on neighborhoods that expressed support for accessory dwellings, the board believed broadening the regulations would aid in the city’s pursuit of more affordable housing.
SARASOTA – The Sarasota City Commission will hit the gas on a proposal to expand the construction and use of so-called accessory dwelling units throughout the city.
The city was originally planning to approve such back-of-the-lot dwellings – also called “granny flats” for the way they expand opportunities for intergenerational living – just in the Arlington Park, Bayou Oaks, Central Cocoanut and Newtown neighborhoods.
Sarasota officials acknowledged this week that the city has an affordable housing problem and perhaps the best way to solve it isn’t doing it neighborhood-by-neighborhood but through sweeping change.
The idea – which recently caught on in Manatee and Sarasota County – is to free up the availability of affordable housing stock and provide extra income for homeowners.