SARASOTA The long process of winning approval for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ bayfront redevelopment plan concluded at a City Commission meeting on Tuesday evening, ending nearly four years of lengthy negotiations with the city and often contentious debate with neighbors.
The last hurdle came with a series of noise and other concessions at the request of Selby’s southern neighbors. While the botanical gardens had made certain promises regarding the size of the restaurant and cutoff times for events, those who live across Hudson Bayou wanted it in writing.
City Commissioner Kyle Battie voted with the majority of other commissioners to include them in an ordinance but had some strong reservations.