Former trailer park may soon see movement

More than two years since Benderson Development began demolishing the rundown mobile homes at the former Pine Shores Trailer Park, the property still sits empty.

But a Benderson representative told a group of Siesta Key residents that construction could begin as early as May or June on the site at Stickney Point Road and U.S. 41.

That timeframe is dependent upon the state of the economy.

Paul Blackketter, Benderson’s project manager, told members of the Siesta Key Association that his company will begin a new due-diligence process to determine the best type of development for that site.

Benderson bought the 25-acre property in 2003 with its 140-plus mobile homes. The development company planned to build a mixed-use development called Siesta Point, which would have consisted of condos, office space, retail and a hotel.

What gets built now depends on market demands.

County Commissioner Nora Patterson said Benderson Development owner Nathan Benderson told her that he’s considering two hotels for the site.

She said although Siesta Key has numerous rental units, a hotel could serve the Key well.

Blackketter said whatever his firm decides to build along Stickney Point Road, it will undergo a thorough vetting process with neighborhood meetings.

Blackketter said nothing will be built unless Benderson has tenants signed and ready to move in once construction is complete.

“There’s no way we’re going to build an empty building,” he said.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected]