News Briefs

+ Artspace proposal gains momentum
A vacant plot of land on the 4600 block of the North Trail could be the future site of a vibrant, mixed-use development, as a proposal for affordable live/work artist housing pushes ahead.

The specific parcel, at 4644 N. Tamiami Trail, is one of five properties Minneapolis-based nonprofit Artspace selected as suitable sites for such a project in its preliminary feasibility report conducted in May.

The firm also targeted the Days Inn, Golden Host Motel and Knights Inn — all on the North Trail — as candidates for redevelopment.

“Once there is a stronger sense of the market for a live/work project in Sarasota, the site-selection process can begin in earnest,” the report stated.

The next step would be a $42,500 arts market survey to determine the demand for such a development.
In a June 20 cover letter attached to the feasibility study, Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County Executive Director Jim Shirley said the organization aims to raise $50,000 for the analysis and travel expenses.

Artspace, a nonprofit group, brings public and private funding together — including the use of federal programs such as low-income housing tax credits and local assistance such as Community Development Block Grant funding — for its developments. Typical projects with between 50 and 70 units cost roughly $17.5 million.

+ Siesta Key property values outpace county
The growth of most Siesta Key property values outpaced Sarasota County this year, according to certified taxable value numbers the Sarasota County Property Appraiser released this week.

The Siesta Key Lighting District taxable value rose 7.5% to $4.5 billion this year over last, while countywide values grew 6.7%, to $43.5 billion. The main island business district, which falls within the Siesta Key Village Public Improvement District, saw a 3.2% increase to $55.3 million.

Property values within Sarasota’s city limits increased 5.5% to $7.6 billion this year. The city of Venice’s taxable values grew 7% to $3 million, and the city of North Port topped local municipalities with a 10% growth rate in property values.

+ New Pass closed Sunday for Grand Prix boat race
The United States Coast Guard will close New Pass to public boat traffic from 10 a.m. to roughly 4 p.m. Sunday for the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix.

The inlet intersects with the course for the annual boat races. The popular cove underneath the New Pass Bridge, which connects Longboat Key and City Island, will remain open, according to a news release from the Sarasota Police Department.

Local authorities will be on site west of the bridge to notify vessels of the closure. Big Pass, Longboat Pass and Venice Inlet will be open to boat traffic.

Meetings & agendas
Regular City Commission meeting — 2:30 and 6 p.m. Monday, July 7, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota

Downtown Improvement District meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, SRQ Media Studio, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota

Sarasota County Commission meeting — 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, Commission Chambers, Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota