WHAT'S HAPPENING: Cocoanut street closure and affordable housing feedback

Cocoanut street closure begins for hotel construction

As Sarasota comes down from the height of tourist season, construction crews are beginning work on projects targeted for completion before next year’s snowbird deluge.

That’s why, beginning today, Cocoanut Avenue will be closed between Palm Avenue and First Street for construction associated with the forthcoming Hotel Sarasota project next to the Palm Avenue parking garage.

During the next six weeks, crews will install a water line, replace a force main, reroute the existing stormwater system and reconfigure a portion of Cocoanut near Palm Avenue.

Later this year, the Cocoanut and Palm intersection will close for the construction of a roundabout.

Floridays Development Company hopes to complete the hotel project, which will carry Hilton’s Curio brand, by spring 2017. 

By the numbers

$6.5 million — price of the former Best Western hotel property on Tamiami Trail, purchased in March and slated for redevelopment

6,000 — granola bars Sarasota High School sophomore Conor Andrich donated to Booker Middle School

109 — Squares on artist Joan DaVanzo's living quilt that raises awareness about the plight of homeless animals

What's the buzz?

After Harvey Vengroff threatened to abandon his plans for affordable apartments on Fruitville Road, city staff was quickly able to strike a deal to get the entrepreneur back at the table. Still, the project depends on the City Commission reversing its stance on a requirement for annual inspections of the property.

In advance of the city hearing, we asked our readers if they thought the commission would change its position on the apartment project:

“They know they were out of line on this ... time to make it right.” — Bob Gorevan

“Myopic politicians who crave power are never able to reverse position.” — Chris Jones

“Bring on the yearly inspections .... as soon as the Vue and all the other new construction at the bayfront get the same type of inspections. Otherwise, it’s not very fair, is it.” — Pete Weller

Quote of the week

“Now, it's much more ‘siesta’ than ‘fiesta.’” — Siesta Key Village business owner Brian Wigelsworth, on the current state of the annual Siesta Fiesta art fair.

Meetings

Regular City Commission meeting — 2:30 and 6 p.m. Monday, May 16, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota