The Sarasota Planning Board recommends Comprehensive Plan and Rezoning approval for a plan to build new condo towers and preserve the Mira Mar building.

During the city’s presentation of the quasi-judicial hearing, Long Range Planning Director David Smith cited points of opposition mostly related to the zoning creep precedent, a gradual movement of the permitted Downtown Bayfront into Downtown Core, which limits height to 10 stories and density to 50 units per acre.

At 70 condos, though, Seaward countered the density will be no greater than what the DTC permits, and that its tapered towers in both height and width will allow for greater light and air than will a by-right 10-story box, perhaps taller if a developer utilizes the city’s affordable housing incentive, even worse the state’s Live Local Act that permits 18 stories and upwards of 280 units if a project there met affordable housing criteria.

Next steps

The Planning Board action on the Mira Mar was the first step in what remains a lengthy process. A Comprehensive Plan amendment requires first a supermajority vote among the City Commission to transit the change to Tallahassee for review and comment, and again for approval. If approved, the rezoning from Downtown Bayfront to Downtown Core requires a simple majority vote by the commission.

Read more at source: Mira Mar preservation plan passes first test | Your Observer