Arts Center withdraws site-plan request

The Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, has withdrawn its request for an amendment and extension of its existing site plan. Ringling officials told the Longbeach Village Association Wednesday that they planned to file an application with the town today and go before the Longboat Key Planning & Zoning Board April 17. However, the plans drew criticism from many residents who felt the modern design of the building was out of character for the historic neighborhood.

Tracy A. Wagner, Ringling vice president of finance and administration, sent a letter today to Town Planner Ric Hartman in which she cited concerns that arose after meeting with the Village Association.

“Although we are eager to move our plans forward, we wish to do so in a respectful and thoughtful manner,” Wagner wrote. "I very much appreciate all the time and effort the Planning, Zoning and Building staff invested in assisting Ringling College and the Center through the process. I firmly believe we will return to discuss our future plans but with greater involvement from the community.”

The Arts Center had proposed moving forward with its plan in four phases, the last of which involved the construction of a new two-story building with flexible retreat space by 2016.

For more information, pick up an April 12 copy of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].