City debates real-estate parcels

The Sarasota City Commission is weighing the pros and cons of putting some of the city’s real estate up for sale to gain access to some more money in the face of tough budget constraints.

At its March 19 regular meeting, commissioners told city staff it’s willing to sell some city-owned parcels and get them back on the tax rolls in order to generate more cash flow, but only if it makes prudent business sense.

City purchasing manager Mary Tucker was given direction to come back to the commission next month with a list of the top 10 city-owned parcels that would be attractive to potential buyers.

While nine of the Top 10 are still under consideration by city staff, Tucker said the No. 1 lot that would gain top cash is a downtown bayfront-zoned site at 1000 Blvd. of the Arts next to the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota.

“That one property alone is very valuable,” Tucker said.

Commissioners seem interested in letting go some of its properties during tough economic times.

“I think it’s a good idea to see the top 10 properties that have the best chance of selling in this market,” said Commissioner Shannon Snyder. “We can start the process of getting these properties back on the tax rolls.”
The rest of the commission agreed with Vice Mayor Terry Turner’s suggestion to use any profits from the sale of city land to pay down unfunded health-care costs because it’s a broad-based category that would work to reduce costs for the entire employee base.

Staff also received direction to change the zoning of two lots that will make them more attractive to buyers.

A site at 3001 N. Lemon Ave. that currently allows five residential units will be rezoned to allow for a maximum of 11 units. Another site at 2021 12th St. that has a restricted commercial industrial zoning label will be changed to allow for a wider range of commercial uses. The cost to rezone lots, including staff’s time to make the changes, will cost $3,500 for both lots.

“The process to rezone these lots make sense, and the cost to do it is minimal when you compare the added value the zoning changes will create for the properties,” Commissioner Paul Caragiulo said. “This is a density game, and we need players in the game. We make the rules on what we allow for density and might as well inflate the value of our own parcels.”

Staff was also directed to contact local non-profit organizations to see if they are interested in any of the sites.

Click here to view a graphic about city-owned parcels.