Sarasota County must keep developers in check
Apparently, we’ve reached a point in Sarasota where an empty piece of land is viewed as a problem in need of a developer.
Fortunately, the Sarasota County commissioners recently demonstrated some courage.
They rejected a settlement allowing 126 homes near the Celery Fields, and they directed county staff to explore purchasing the property instead.
Developers love reminding us how much property tax revenue is generated by new homes.
Fair enough. But what about the roads, drainage, schools and emergency services these new homes require?
Growth doesn’t always pay for itself.
Meanwhile, wetlands reduce flooding, open space supports wildlife and natural areas help make Sarasota worth living in.
On Nov. 3, voters will consider extending Sarasota County's
existing conservation funding through 2049 and authorizing additional bonds for land preservation.
But why stop there?
A privately supported Land Legacy Fund could unite philanthropists, businesses and existing conservation organizations to protect valuable properties before the bulldozers arrive.
The Celery Fields was once drained farmland. Today, it’s a community treasure. That’s what foresight can accomplish.
Nobody is suggesting Sarasota stop growing.
But perhaps we should stop pretending that paving every available acre constitutes progress.
Sometimes the smartest thing we can build is nothing at all.
Kevin Klein, Sarasota
Democratic Party full of clowns
The Democrats are talking up their “big tent."
They need one to house all their clowns!
Roger Grossel, Lakewood Ranch
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Developers want to pave every inch of Sarasota. Stop them | Letters
