City to revisit Vengroff apartment plans

On Monday, the Sarasota City Commission will resume its conversation regarding entrepreneur Harvey Vengroff’s proposal for a 393-unit apartment complex near downtown Sarasota.

Depending on the direction the board takes, the affordable housing project — which briefly appeared doomed earlier this month — could move forward as planned. Or, the commission could affirm its desire for annual inspections on the property, which would likely lead to Vengroff shelving the development for good.

At the May 2 commission meeting, Vengroff walked out of a hearing regarding the project when Commissioner Liz Alpert raised the possibility of requiring annual inspections for the apartments. Vengroff is seeking adjustments to city zoning regulations that would allow height and density increases on the property at 2211 Fruitville Road.

Later that week, City Manager Tom Barwin and other staff members met with representatives for the project. Although staff had asked for the annual inspections, they agreed to a deal that would instead require that Vengroff share the property’s insurance inspection reports with the city.

The proposed comprehensive plan amendment associated with the project needs a supermajority of four commissioners to pass. At the May 2 meeting, three commissioners voted against approving the comprehensive plan amendment without the inspection requirement in place.

Still, both city officials and project representatives are hopeful the commission will embrace the revised regulations.

“I believe the project is probably back on track,” Barwin said.

Also on the agenda for Monday’s commission meeting:

• The commission will consider authorizing up to $17.5 million in bonds for the construction of a parking garage on St. Armands Circle. To help fund the garage, the city also plans to begin a paid parking program in the shopping district.
• The board will discuss extending a moratorium on closing a portion of Main Street for special events. Originally a temporary provision passed in 2014 to address ongoing construction, the proposed resolution would extend the moratorium through September 2017.

The full agenda for Monday’s meeting can be found on the city website.