Sarasota County Planning Commission
1660 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34236
Dear Messrs. Ask, Bispham, Baumier, Cooper, Hawkins, Kellogg, Morris, Richardson and Stultz,
We write to oppose the Rezone Petition #15-30 which seeks to rezone the 3 individual parcels that make up the Gulf Gate Golf Course.
The binding Concept Development Plan details a proposal that is drastically different from the existing neighborhood – the lots are roughly half the size of those that surround the golf course, the roads are private and gated, and there are no sidewalks. The idea of creating 3 “exclusive” enclaves is clearly inconsistent and incompatible with the existing neighborhood.
The character of our neighborhood is integral to who we are. We have a diverse community that is walkable and social. Young and established families, Millennials, empty nesters, retirees and seasonal residents seek out Gulf Gate for its community, affordability, location and it’s safe and peaceful reputation. The addition of a foreign entity jammed into the backyards of 3 neighborhood blocks would be hugely destructive and damaging to the nature of our community.
The plan involves completely denuding the land, filling existing ponds, re-routing springs and disrupting the natural habitat. Other than the grand trees, the entire green space will be lost. With such drastic changes and the loss of nearly half of the penetrable ground, the flooding we already encounter will only get worse. This proposal WILL adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood drastically.
This is not the first time the owner has sought to rezone the property. In 2010 both the Planning
Commission and the County Commissioners ruled that the proposal (which was very similar to this one) was not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and denied the rezone request.
Nothing has changed since then. Maintaining the existing zoning results in the 150 abutters, the 1362 other Gulf Gate households and the golf course owner to get no more nor less than what they bargained for when they purchased their properties. We ask that you reaffirm the previous finding that growth guided by the Comprehensive Plan can be accomplished by maintaining the current zoning. By doing so you will allow for ordered growth and the preservation of green space while not adversely affecting the living conditions of those of us who call this precious neighborhood our home.
Please vote to deny Petition #15-30.
Thank you,