U.S. Assets Group News
Commission Endorses Plan to Consider Lot's Future
05/16/2005
Commission endorses plan to consider lot's future
Sarasota Herald Tribune - May 16, 2005
Amid resident concerns, the Sarasota City Commission has unanimously endorsed the idea of revamping a municipal-owned parking lot just off St. Armands Circle.
At a meeting this month, the five-member panel directed city staff to craft a request for developer proposals for the 225-space lot, on Filmore Drive.
The commission's move came in response to a plan by U.S. Assets Group, the development firm behind the Beau Ciel condo tower downtown and the Orchid Beach Club, on Lido Key. U.S. Assets wants to build 80 to 100 hotel rooms, a garage and town houses on the lot.
Bruce Franklin, president of architectural and land planning firm The ADP Group Inc., who is working with U.S. Assets, said the lot could be a "catalyst" that could enhance the circle and increase property values.
Franklin added that U.S. Assets' development could also generate more tourist taxes, create long-needed public restrooms and spur further storm-water improvements to curb rampant flooding.
But while merchants and commercial property owners support the U.S. Assets plan, residents have expressed concerns over potential traffic, building height and environmental impact. They've also asked that the public participate in any development decisions through architectural workshops.
"We're not saying no to the proposed project; we're saying let's open it up to more options," said Manuel Chepote, president of the St. Armands Residents Association.
"We just don't want to see the encroachment of commercial into the residential area because it would change the character of the area and impact the quality of life here," he added.
Commissioners Ken Shelin, Mary Anne Servian and Lou Ann Palmer said they share the residents' concerns, but the remain "interested in exploring" the idea.
City staff are expected to report back to the commission regarding the lot later this year.
Amid resident concerns, the Sarasota City Commission has unanimously endorsed the idea of revamping a municipal-owned parking lot just off St. Armands Circle.
At a meeting this month, the five-member panel directed city staff to craft a request for developer proposals for the 225-space lot, on Filmore Drive.
The commission's move came in response to a plan by U.S. Assets Group, the development firm behind the Beau Ciel condo tower downtown and the Orchid Beach Club, on Lido Key. U.S. Assets wants to build 80 to 100 hotel rooms, a garage and town houses on the lot.
Bruce Franklin, president of architectural and land planning firm The ADP Group Inc., who is working with U.S. Assets, said the lot could be a "catalyst" that could enhance the circle and increase property values.
Franklin added that U.S. Assets' development could also generate more tourist taxes, create long-needed public restrooms and spur further storm-water improvements to curb rampant flooding.
But while merchants and commercial property owners support the U.S. Assets plan, residents have expressed concerns over potential traffic, building height and environmental impact. They've also asked that the public participate in any development decisions through architectural workshops.
"We're not saying no to the proposed project; we're saying let's open it up to more options," said Manuel Chepote, president of the St. Armands Residents Association.
"We just don't want to see the encroachment of commercial into the residential area because it would change the character of the area and impact the quality of life here," he added.
Commissioners Ken Shelin, Mary Anne Servian and Lou Ann Palmer said they share the residents' concerns, but the remain "interested in exploring" the idea.
City staff are expected to report back to the commission regarding the lot later this year.
