FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s this all about?
In 2021, Benderson bought the Sarasota County Administration building for $25 million. A portion of the property is located south of Morrill Street in Laurel Park. On May 26, 2023, Benderson applied for a change in land use for the entire property, including the parcel within Laurel Park.
The Laurel Park Neighborhood is, by design, protected against downtown encroachment through numerous land use regulations specifically tailored to preserve its character. The Benderson request will change the land use from only residential to mixed-use (which is a combination of residential and commercial).
Why do I care?
In addition to increased building height that would be allowed by the change, the proposed change will make that section of Laurel Park subject to a state law recently passed in Tallahassee, the Live Local Act. This new law allows developers with mixed-use property to build up to the maximum density and height allowed within 1 mile of the land. Currently, Laurel Park does not fall under the act because it has a land use of only residential. If the proposal goes through, the new use would allow a building up to 18 stories tall and a density of 200 units per acre, meaning up to 400+ units for the parcel. Currently Laurel Park allows 2 stories and 9 units per acre.
Wouldn’t the other Laurel Park restrictions prevent such an overwhelming building?
No, the Live Local Act overrides any existing municipal zoning restrictions when it comes to density and height. This new law is a Florida State Statute and takes precedence over local laws.
Wouldn’t the planning board prevent such an incompatible structure?
If the proposed land use change is granted, any future construction that meets the new land use and zoning code would no longer come before the planning board; it would be administratively approved by city staff – which is contrary to Laurel Park’s existing process, which is protected by existing land use and zoning classifications.
Wouldn’t the city commission prevent such an incompatible structure?
No, the Live Local Act prevents the city commission from interfering when it comes to density and height.
Is it that crucial to stop this SIGNIFICANT land use change in Laurel Park?
Yes. This will be the only chance we have at preserving this portion of Laurel Park. Once it’s gone, it can never be rezoned with the specific Laurel Park protections. Further, if approved, it sets a precedent for any future developer to amass several properties and make the same request, affecting the future viability of Laurel Park as a walk-to-town neighborhood where people live.