WHAT'S HAPPENING: "Paint the Town Blue" and affordable apartment proposals

#PaintSRQBlue

Observer staff members got their blue on last week, supporting the Child Protection Center’s campaign to Paint the Town Blue during April in observance of Child Abuse Prevention month. Learn more about how you can get involved with the cause at the Child Protection Center’s website. 

City to consider Vengroff's apartment plans

On Monday, the City Commission will consider a comprehensive plan amendment that would allow entrepreneur Harvey Vengroff’s plan for a 393-unit apartment complex on Fruitville Road to proceed.

Vengroff is attempting to change the city’s designation of the nearly 8-acre site at 2211 Fruitville Road. A new classification would permit a density of 50 units per acre, which he says is essential to make his plans for affordable housing economically feasible.

A supermajority of four commissioners is necessary for the comprehensive plan amendment to gain approval. Last month, Vengroff expressed some skepticism about the city’s interest in aiding his plans, but he believes the project would help address a long-standing workforce housing shortage in the city.

“They need affordable housing,” Vengroff said. “Just let us do it.” 

Quote of the week

“Maybe when you get older, you can hold the torch.” — Ben Smith, after running the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run with his 3-year-old daughter Bryleigh, who has Down syndrome.

By the numbers

$435,000 — Money city staff wants to set aside for a downtown circulator service.

800 feet — Minimum distance food trucks must keep from restaurants, per Sarasota County regulations.

23 — Years Rabbi Geoff Huntting has been with Temple Sinai. He is retiring in June.

4% — Odds that a manatee will give birth to twins.