[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6065740,"mediaKeyId","3196033-085c841f5551d658fdf4bfc82c9c4d68","parentId",3196033,"title","Residents and commissioners spar over SPAC site at Centennial Park; public warns against using boat ramp","audioSeconds",113,"startMs",5435000,"endMs",5548000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196033-085c841f5551d658fdf4bfc82c9c4d68&start=5435&end=5548","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196033-085c841f5551d658fdf4bfc82c9c4d68/thumbnail_5435000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6065740/Florida/Residents-and-commissioners-spar-over-SPAC-site-at-Centennial-Park-public-warns-against-using-boat-ramp","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6065740-06bcb6d19354232caa844e428048f53f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137130&Signature=Ai0JGgRWsP2E60HnAYRPSaIJSwy-W3CCXnzLUTWEZTZ32q6f7Zypbeqj2bTQO4o-CNcCycLYmbE3D1CjlUED9C9ATDa6GKxJCCX8GWxG6Rjv41OHsd4Wt2LjG85JTqzoz5-fSB5iIUJS1Ng1a0xPGLXYYK2uYpnDtfY-cUyUJTIUtrOS5yVU1hhBxSYOXl9zjeKXzHL2-V817rmSsWDgZxlJv9FpGQWeLT39YtgNXxSdml94b7qF6JmC9nBa7tquMI6ZUFWTVE3PQcCTz5zqXarL-Uxj4cRK-LGAc7J4mE5lYImw1MsbZ5wcnuT6rYpefLWTyxRJvrLImInyjmIeYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sarasota, FL ","date","2025-03-03T00:00:00Z","article","Dozens of residents and stakeholders spoke at the March 3 City Commission meeting about the Sarasota Performing Arts Center (SPAC) proposal and especially the foundation’s plan to place the large theater north of the Tenth Street Canal at Centennial Park.

Several residents argued the site is incompatible with continued boat ramp operations and public boating access. Speakers said Centennial Park is the only deep‑water mainland ramp between Bradenton and Venice and that boat traffic, 40‑foot‑trailer vehicle parking, and the show‑time truck deliveries (semi trailers for stage equipment) would conflict with boat launch activity. Multiple public speakers urged the commission to put the main theater south of the canal — in the Bay Park — where a larger footprint, more direct parking and access are available.

Why it matters: Speakers warned a waterfront theater in the boat‑launch area would require truck ramps, large parking platforms and possibly tree removal, with significant changes to the park’s use and character. Several presenters said construction and long‑term traffic impacts would harm small businesses in the Rosemary District and Bayfront access for boaters.

Public comments and concerns: Christine Sable urged commissioners to “pause and reconsider” a $400 million theater and recommended a smaller facility or improving the Van Weisel instead. Cillian (Killian) Hunt and Tim Witz — both contractors/experts — warned the Centennial Park site is logistically constrained and that construction in a coastal zone requires costly logistics and regulatory approvals. Robert Firth, a City Island resident, highlighted the commercial boat‑ramp value and said a truck ramp over the boat lot would destroy the only mainland deep‑water facility in the area.

Commission reactions: Commissioners asked staff and proponents about project logistics and parking strategies. Several commissioners and members of the public pushed for more study and community engagement on site selection; others argued for parallel studies to avoid timeline delays. The commission did not make a decision on SPAC location at the March 3 meeting.

Next steps: The conversation is expected to continue in upcoming meetings and public workshops. The foundation and city staff continue to study traffic, parking and environmental constraints for the proposed sites.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Sarasota Regular City Commission Meeting March 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters and commissioners argued over the proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Center’s placement north of the 10th Street Canal, with many residents and boaters saying Centennial Park’s boat ramp and small‑boat access should not be repurposed for loading ramps and parking decks.","taxTitle","Sarasota City, Sarasota County, Florida","taxId",58306,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6065745,"Advocates ask city to seek National Register eligibility for Van Weisel; commissioners debate timing",597,4023000,4620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196033-085c841f5551d658fdf4bfc82c9c4d68&start=4023&end=4620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196033-085c841f5551d658fdf4bfc82c9c4d68/thumbnail_4023000.jpg","/articles/6065745/Florida/Advocates-ask-city-to-seek-National-Register-eligibility-for-Van-Weisel-commissioners-debate-timing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6065745-23a04b816492cbf27ab6b57203feb3df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137130&Signature=J8IJfuCfySJ-4XWVPFgIH1VrhgjuOGT~JvV2-7TFhWkl~E52KO6X308-oRIMMgYqok2muxT1eGHFgbZYgKyeD0vgfV2-F~Xt57sqjBmJSeU0gKg6zABEXn29iWjO6EvmVhHgjrSBccuKOSj3LIkoTUvHa4yjYsVIxf3-PABc2Csth96f0hJ-utssYbvVn6LnmyggmNwlyMdneyHMYb2oRpmvuuLidYkTycCY4Fipyje15jGfgZ8RJvqeBw9am1wMqyvHRhSha5yf5FfegoJr-zDjIP1VmoQf1RkaKo6HzgWIxyxlSbNXmAFKFx93oRHeW0X8RQaVBDBxfKIoLpqo6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Advocates for listing the Van Weisel Theatre on the National Register of Historic Places told the City Commission on March 3 that the building meets federal historic criteria and that listing could open state and federal grant, tax‑credit and FEMA exceptions for the structure.

Lori Muldowney, past president of the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, told the commission an architectural historian, Christine Madrid French, prepared a nomination package and that a preliminary site information questionnaire (PSIQ) could be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office this month to request an official eligibility determination. Muldowney said eligibility would not force the city to preserve the theater, but would make rehabilitation grants, federal historic tax credits and FEMA exemptions accessible.

Why it matters: Speakers emphasized that National Register listing can unlock grant funding and a 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for private investors, and exempt listed structures from FEMA’s so‑called ‘‘50 percent rule’’ that can require demolition rather than costly repairs. Muldowney said her group believes the Van Weisel qualifies under multiple National Register criteria and that an out‑of‑town expert had documented previously underappreciated historical significance for the theatre.

Commissioner and committee concerns: Vice Mayor Trice and several commissioners said they were concerned about moving ahead with an eligibility request while the Purple Ribbon Committee — a city‑appointed advisory group convened to study the Van Weisel’s future — is completing its report this spring. Trice said the committee has been working for nearly a year and deserved the new research before the city sends materials to the state; Muldowney said that her group had secured a presentation date to the Purple Ribbon Committee (April 15) and that a state eligibility determination would be useful to the committee’s work. Other commissioners said National Register status would not legally prevent demolition and that grant awards often carry maintenance conditions.

What commissioners said: Commissioner Albrecht asked whether listing would prevent demolition; Muldowney and staff said it would not — owners can still demolish listed buildings — but grants or tax credits often carry multi‑year maintenance covenants. Trice argued for waiting to avoid undercutting the Purple Ribbon Committee’s process; Commissioner Koch and others said seeking eligibility in parallel could be helpful to the committee and was nonbinding.

Next steps: Advocates said they planned to submit materials to the state and present the historian’s findings to the Purple Ribbon Committee on April 15. Commissioners did not vote on this item; the group said they would continue to discuss the theater’s future through the Purple Ribbon Committee and follow‑up meetings.","Historic‑preservation advocates presented research saying the Van Weisel Theatre meets National Register criteria; advocates and some commissioners disagreed over whether to seek state eligibility now or wait for the Purple Ribbon Committee’s report.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6065750,"Sarasota Housing Authority outlines 308-unit pipeline, flags unexpected fees",1184,2562000,3746000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196033-085c841f5551d658fdf4bfc82c9c4d68&start=2562&end=3746","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196033-085c841f5551d658fdf4bfc82c9c4d68/thumbnail_2562000.jpg","/articles/6065750/Florida/Sarasota-Housing-Authority-outlines-308-unit-pipeline-flags-unexpected-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6065750-fbe34d0df99e01849bc77dc4cb13b77e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137130&Signature=QytHmDwD41iWRpfVPryy5vhNMZ1xlqWqLLBU7A0tjzRdD7AlXoBgLW0si5bnos81r1hICQyi7J3pA1xz4YieFoaxrt6mc1s7A06GKG3NJuemcyq1VtElfRcWJj2e1G5MgreYtSG05F~WHD3sT5PV9u1tcqBlaPhsfLPXEDsEqHwC~sbL0YKEi2OMU4Y3wC1CsPwEpup9BSmwv8zoUPwBMmfSqr-OT9gS5sJgzcoJADTLcQ4~uKOs13vpgW3hO1~Mu8EyWOh7Ru9g5CKwgta~PGL5fBBxsymOblT4n5NTnFix-nYWKGe4vrnFtFheEL6BTbt26JDRMGlw8tmakWKORw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sarasota Housing Authority told the City Commission on March 3 that it has three funded developments totaling about 308 new affordable units that will close and begin construction this year, and it is planning a separate 100-unit phase along Lemon Avenue.

The authority’s president and CEO, William Russell, said the agency has dramatically expanded its inventory over the past 20 years through partnerships with the city, the county and Fortis Development. Russell told commissioners the authority has gone from about 75 public-housing units to more than 2,200 vouchers, 331 affordable units and a mix of project-based rental assistance in recent years.

Russell said the authority’s pipeline includes Loss on Lemon 2 (about 100 units), Cypress Square II (108 units) and Cypress Square III plus Central Gardens (together about 100 units). He said those three projects are funded and that closing and construction on many units will happen over the next 12–24 months. Russell also described potential future development on the McAllen Tower parking lot that could include a parking deck and public-access spaces; he said that idea may require future zoning changes and a city partnership.

Why it matters: The authority said the recent pace of development — 665 units in 15 years versus HUD-built stock over four decades — has significantly increased affordable housing options in the city. Commissioners pressed staff on capacity, site preparation and whether displaced residents had an opportunity to return. Russell said the Amarillis Park Place campus (an elderly building and multiple family buildings) will be completed in phases, with phase 3 closing and construction starting this spring and wrap-up anticipated in 15–16 months; he said the site is currently vacant following HUD approval to demolish older units.

Commissioners asked about bedroom mixes, flood mitigation and how the authority has handled previous relocations. Russell said apartment bedroom mixes have been similar across eras, that recent projects have included stormwater vaults and drains (noting specific work at Cypress Square and Greg Street), and that when public-housing units were demolished earlier roughly 64 families were relocated with many moving into new units or using vouchers to move elsewhere.

Clarifying details discussed at the meeting: Russell said the authority expects about $244,000 in unbudgeted fees related to the Loss on Lemon 2 construction (sidewalk closure, temporary parking loss, crane placement) for which staff cannot waive the city charges, and said the authority may return to the commission to request relief. He also said 60–75% of the Amarillis campus site is planned open/parking/stormwater and that the Boys & Girls Club occupies a long-term ground lease east of the site and is building a new clubhouse on authority-owned property.

What happens next: Russell said staff will return if the authority needs fee relief. Commissioners said they plan continued oversight on zoning changes and asked the authority to come back with details if they seek design changes to McAllen Tower’s parking and public-parking options.

Sources: Presentation by William Russell, Sarasota Housing Authority, and Q&A with commissioners during the March 3, 2025 City Commission meeting.","The Sarasota Housing Authority told the City Commission it has 308 units closing soon, plans another 100-unit phase, and expects about $244,000 in unbudgeted site fees tied to construction on Lemon Avenue.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents and commissioners spar over SPAC site at Centennial Park; public warns against using boat ramp

Advocates ask city to seek National Register eligibility for Van Weisel; commissioners debate timing

Sarasota Housing Authority outlines 308-unit pipeline, flags unexpected fees