Vengroff questions officials’ interest in housing project

Coming off a unanimous show of support from the city’s Planning Board, Harvey Vengroff still doubts city officials will let him build a proposed 393-unit affordable apartment complex.

Vengroff, who manages more than 1,500 rental units in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, owns an 8-acre site at 2211 Fruitville Road. He’s pursuing a series of changes to the city’s regulations on that land, a necessary step before his project can proceed.

Right now, he’s still in the early stages of seeking that change. A requested comprehensive plan amendment would allow for a higher-density project on the land, which Vengroff says is necessary to turn a profit. Approving the amendment would lock in the maximum height and size of the project, but most specifics would be subject to further approval.

On March 10, the Planning Board endorsed the amendment in a 5-0 vote. Despite the support he’s gathered, Vengroff said the City Commission has shown no signs of interest in his proposal.

“We’ve emailed each of the commissioners and asked for an appointment, and we’ve never gotten a return call,” Vengroff said. “It kind of says, ‘(Forget) you; we’re not going to pass it.’”

“If you have somebody knock on your door and say, ‘I’ve got a winning raffle ticket,’ you probably take the ticket and say thank you.” — Harvey Vengroff

The commission’s enthusiasm is particularly important, because a four-vote supermajority of the five-member board is needed for the amendment to pass. Officials have rated affordable housing as a major priority for the city, which makes Vengroff even more surprised by the lack of reaction from commissioners.

“If you have somebody knock on your door and say, ‘I’ve got a winning raffle ticket,’ you probably take the ticket and say thank you,” Vengroff said. “They need affordable housing — just let us do it.”

City Commissioner Susan Chapman has been one of the voices calling for more affordable housing, but she’s also previously expressed skepticism about Vengroff’s plans. Still, she disputes Vengroff’s assertions officials are uninterested in his proposal.

For affordable housing to be successful, she says a confluence of factors must be prioritized. Those factors include avoiding a concentration of people of poverty, offering a variety of unit sizes and emphasizing good design.

Following the Planning Board decision, she declined to comment on the specifics of the project, stating that she will take time to consider the latest version of Vengroff’s plans.

“I have to see the proposal,” Chapman said. “I’ve heard there have been some changes.”

The proposed apartments, which include efficiency units up to three-bedroom apartments, would range from 350 to 842 square feet. The comprehensive plan amendment includes a stipulation that building heights would not exceed six stories.

The estimates for rent range between $650 and $950 per month. Although he’s agreed to ensure rents remain affordable, Vengroff has said he does not want to restrict access to the housing based on income levels.

Vengroff said the process of gaining approvals in Sarasota has contrasted with other communities. In Manatee County, Commissioner Robin DiSabatino reached out to Vengroff to help accommodate the developer’s needs. Here, he’s felt constrained by regulations — regulations city officials have said are necessary to ensure a good outcome.

Despite his belief he’s on shaky ground, Vengroff is pushing forward with an effort to construct the apartments. He says his proposal is the best possible use of the land he owns — but he’s not certain those in power agree.

“If they don’t want me to spend $20 million to put affordable housing on it, (forget) ’em” Vengroff said. “I’ll go sailing.”