Planning Commission Meeting

Dear friends and neighbors,

We are providing an update as to the outcome of the planning commission meeting held on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Despite all of our efforts to show that the application for Special Exception for the property at the Grace Church site is deeply flawed, the Sarasota Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommended the Special Exception application, #1874, to the County Commission.

Our appointed Planning Commissioners were not interested in adhering to local ordinances pertaining to the Special Exception application process. Further, the commission voiced their displeasure with those of us who complained about traffic, noise, air pollution and intense fertilization affecting our natural waterways, suggesting that progress is always noisy, detrimental to the environment, and potentially dangerous. In essence, they suggested that older residents do not have the same viewpoint on progress as do younger ones with families.

While this is a disappointing outcome, it is not a surprise. Our findings that compliance with County ordinances were not sufficient for granting a Special Exception and us putting forward the necessary stipulations that protect our peace, safety, and enjoyment of life, are now officially on record as part of this meeting. This should make it possible to enter good faith negotiations with both the county and the developer, should they so desire.

We have engaged our legal counsel in preparation for the upcoming County Commission meeting on July 12th, where the final decision about granting the Special Exception will be made. Our fight to protect our way of life has just begun.

We would like to thank everyone who has already donated to our cause and encourage those who are still thinking about doing so to realize how important your financial support at this juncture will be.

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