PSK president Lourdes Ramirez spoke before the County Commission in opposition to using the Siesta Key Master Plan as a vehicle for changing long-standing Comprehensive Plan zoning protections.
Siesta Key Master Plan Scam
PSK representing Siesta Key residents asked for infrastructure solutions — flooding, storm resilience, traffic safety, and wastewater capacity. Instead, the proposed Siesta Key Master Plan includes language about reviewing and amending our Comprehensive Plan, zoning regulations, and possible new funding mechanisms (taxes).
We didn't ask for that. The County Commissioners didn't ask for that. So how did it suddenly become part of the Master Plan?
Siesta Key
Task Force vs Master Plan
Sarasota County currently has two separate processes underway for Siesta Key: a Task Force intended to address "beautification" issues and a Master Plan that is supposedly related to those beautification efforts.
While the Task Force is focused on topics such as landscaping, signage, and aesthetics, the Master Plan's scope goes much further, including potential amendment of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning regulations, and potential new taxes.
The County's staff seems to ask the residents to admire the pretty flowers while the protections that have preserved Siesta Key since 1989 are quietly being placed on the chopping block.
Residents should not confuse the two, as the Master Plan could have far greater long-term impacts on the future of Siesta Key than the Task Force itself.
Why Are We Concerned?
Proposed Changes to the Comprehensive Plan
PSK is concerned that long-standing protections against increased density and intensity on Siesta Key could be weakened.
Possible New Taxes
PSK is concerned that the proposal discusses new "funding mechanisms", including "the district," which could lead to additional taxes, fees, or assessments for Siesta Key property owners.
Open doors for Mega Hotels?
PSK is concerned that several developers who have previously sought to weaken Siesta Key's protections in order to allow mega-hotels may play a role in shaping, or ultimately benefit from, the proposed Master Plan.