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SRQ DAILY Jun 28, 2014

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"If property values continue to increase similar to how they have in the past, the CRA would likely be able to strategically reinvest more than $500 million over its next thirty year period-if it still exists."

- Kevin Cooper, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
 

[The CRA]  What We Should Do Became What We Did Do
Kevin Cooper, Kcooper@sarasotachamber.com

Sarasota residents and visitors enjoy the Bayfront Park, they enjoy Five Points Park, they enjoy being able to park in the Palm Avenue Garage, they enjoy dining and shopping at Whole Foods, and they enjoy happy hour at Louies Modern. Another thing that these things have in common, aside from their appeal to those who live, work and travel here, is the Community Redevelopment Area. Without the CRA, these landmarks may very well not exist or would be drastically different than they are today.

CRAs are targeted areas where percentages of both City and County property taxes collected within the area are set aside rather than placed in the respective general funds. These dollars are then reinvested in vital community redevelopment projects within the boundaries of those areas.

It’s important to note these percentages are based on increases in property values, so it acts like an incentive program. When the CRA funds projects that increase property values, the CRAs pool of funding increases. The benefit for local governments and residents is that jobs and additional tax revenue are created.

Since its inception in 1986, the CRA has funded over $78 million in projects, partnerships, and services, which include the aforementioned locations along with many others. If property values continue to increase similar to how they have in the past, the CRA would likely be able to strategically reinvest more than $500 million over its next thirty year period—if it still exists.

The future of greater Sarasota will be significantly impacted by whether or not the City and County agree to extend the life of the CRA, which is scheduled to sunset in 2016.

Amidst all of the headline issues existing today (e.g., homeless services, local elections, Sarasota 2050, etc…), it is perhaps the CRA that is most critical. Unfortunately, it remains perhaps the most obscure and most quiet. I encourage the citizens of the City of Sarasota as well as those in rest of the County to review and appreciate all that the CRA has done for this community over its nearly 30-year existence.

Kevin Cooper is the vice president for The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 

[The Detail]  The Proven Wisdom of Fiscal Neutrality

Take any outstanding city or town and it’s clear: among the most important responsibilities of local government is creating beauty, efficiency and prosperity in the built environment. Local government must set the table with smart infrastructure and planning that maximizes public investments and minimizes public liabilities. Unfortunately, our local government’s handling of the Sarasota 2050 overlay district is not focused on true community prosperity, but rather is equating community prosperity with business outcomes for a handful of landowner/developers.

The Sarasota 2050 plan is an optional plan that permits high density development in rural lands east of Sarasota’s Urban Service Boundary (or I-75), as long as certain standards are met. One of those standards is fiscal neutrality: the development must pay for its own infrastructure both initially and over the long term.

Charles Marohn, national planning thought leader and co-founder of Strong Towns, points out that prior to World War II, the development of U.S. towns and cities occurred incrementally. New infrastructure, or capital investments, had to bring a real return on investment, at least enough future tax revenue to pay for its construction and maintenance. Whether a small town or a big city, development occurred incrementally, lot by lot, and was inherently fiscally neutral due to conservative financing practices. Towns began with a Main Street, with retail shops on the bottom and offices or apartments above. Mixed uses prevailed. As the town grew, the street network expanded up and out. When development is incremental and fiscally neutral, financial risk is minimized. Barriers to entry are reduced. Entrepreneurs and start-ups can buy in, develop and get ahead. The built environment portfolio is diversified and community wealth grows. Municipal budgets balance.

Contrast this with the post-World War II growth model. Communities are planned by a handful of landowners, fully formed on big, undeveloped parcels of land, with heavy borrowing. Roads are primarily designed for a questionably enhanced driving experience, not for enhanced commerce, walking or cycling. Diversification is limited. Single uses prevail. Communities foot the bill for major capital improvements, buying into unproven assumptions that these infrastructure investments will bring a return on investment.

They don’t. A recent study of Sarasota County’s tax base by Joe Mincozzi demonstrates that a suburban multi-family housing development in Sarasota County takes 42 years to pay off its infrastructure costs. Forty two years is longer than the life of the infrastructure.

As Marohn says, no one should invest a dime before answering, “Will this project generate enough tax revenue to sustain its maintenance over multiple life cycles?” Fiscal neutrality requires the question to be asked, and the answer to be “yes”.

Fiscal neutrality forces building to be financially productive. Fiscal neutrality standards go hand in hand with encouraging infill and redevelopment, because infill and redevelopment occurs where public infrastructure investments already exist. The County Commission has done nothing to implement 2050's infill and redevelopment policy. Take a drive up and down U.S. 41 and it's evident: Sarasota County does not have an effective infill and redevelopment policy.

Development that will fail to generate enough tax revenue to cover its public services should be rejected by our local government. Rather than require Neal Communities, Schroeder Manatee Ranch and others to meet this standard, the Sarasota County Commission wants to hobble fiscal neutrality to accommodate these purveyors of outdated development patterns. If they succeed, you and I will pay. Even worse, we will lose the true economic prosperity that lies in fiscally neutral growth. It’s a shame that some organizations representing our business community fail to recognize this truth.

SRQ Daily Columnist Catherine Antunes is the president of Sarasota Citizens for Responsible Government and vice president of the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations 

[On City Politics]  Stop Everlasting Charter Campaign
Gretchen Serrie

The most recent city Charter Review Committee recommended extending the amount of time allowed to collect signatures for citizen-initiated referenda from 90 days to 180 days to provide for greater chance of success. Citizens voted approval. So the proposed new strong mayor charter proponents have enjoyed twice the number of days to collect signatures as for any previous referendum.

Recent media articles tell us over 2,000 signatures have been submitted to date (57 percent of the required signatures) and proponents hope for an extended final deadline. Actually, the number of valid signatures submitted is 1,719. That’s 48 percent...less than half. Yet proponents still believe they deserve more time.

It is disturbing the figures provided the media are not accurate and that people are attempting to finesse an already generous process. But…most disturbing of all...it has not been divulged that the new strong mayor can meet with commissioners outside of the sunshine. Worse yet, the new strong mayor cannot be recalled, because Florida statute provides only for recall of elected municipal officials who serve on governing boards. I don’t believe some of the proponents of this charter are aware of the monster they are creating. I know some who have signed the charter petition are experiencing buyer remorse…too late.

Please study this charter carefully before you sign any petition. I believe if you do so, you will politely, but firmly, turn down the signature gatherers and not sign away our city.

Gretchen Serrie was the chairwoman of the 2010-11 Charter Review Committee 

[From Frank Brenner]  In Support of Reason
Frank Brenner

Once again, Diana Hamilton has used her platform at SRQ Daily to tout her perceived advantages of revising the City Charter to call for the election of a “strong” mayor. Once again, she must be called out for underestimating the intelligence of her audience.

Ms. Hamilton complains that there is presently “no one to run the show…to work things out.” The City, she asserts, needs a mayor “who answers when we call"…one who is "smart, honest and believes in the city."

To her incomprehensible complaint that “no one is running the show” now, I ask, Does she believe the city is running on automatic pilot? Furthermore, how are we to be sure that her “strong” mayor will not be in the pocket of a Boss Tweed, a Mayor Jimmy Walker or cast in the mold of the disgraced Governor Blagojevich? Do elections come with guarantees? Finally, as she impliedly suggests, are the present Commissioners and City Manager not up to her standard of “smartness and honesty?”

Ms. Hamilton has steadfastly declined my invitations to offer reasons in support of turning over city government to essentially one individual for four years at least. Instead, adding to her previous platitudes, unsupported conclusions and tiresome efforts at humor, she now wishes us to settle for a mayor “we live next door to” (all of us?); who “answers when we call” (especially if the “we” is a builder or other special interest); “a mayor we wave to on the street" (nice touch).

In sum, Ms. Hamilton offers not a single reason calculated to convince any thinking person to sign the petition she touts. She seeks support merely on her brew of disjointed clichés pitched in her customary down-home style, which is no substitute for rational thought.

Frank Brenner, responding to "The Miracle Mayor" column in the June 21 edition of SRQ Daily 



[SAVE THE DATE]  On 10/4, Bal Masque

SRQ will host their inaugural signature soiree on Saturday, October 4, 2014, from 8pm-midnight at the historic Sarasota Opera House in Downtown Sarasota. Professorial performance partners, the Circus Arts Conservatory, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet, and Fuzión Dance Artists will dazzle guests at this Venetian inspired evening. Amidst the harlequin entertainment, guests will enjoy tantalizing fare from the culinary connoisseurs of Fête. Event beneficiaries include the Circus Arts Conservatory, the Child Protection Center, Suncoast Charities for Children, and the Suncoast Science Center. Tickets to this gala are $125 with a portion of the proceeds going to a beneficiary of choice, to be selected upon purchasing admission online. 

Get Tickets Online

[SCOOP]  Successful First Suncoast Session Benefiting CPC

Saturday, June 21, 2014, was the debut of Suncoast Sessions, a new series of intimate acoustic musical evenings that aims to give something back to the Sarasota Community. Musical talents Kandy and Iain awed guests at the Goldstein Cabaret Theatre at the  

CPC Sarasota

[SCOOP]  Forty Carrots Wins Tampa Bay's 2014 Nonprofit Of The Year Education Award

Forty Carrots Family Center was named Tampa Bay's "Nonprofit of the Year“ in the education category at the Tampa Bay Business Journal's prestigious 2014 Nonprofit of the Year Awards ceremony on June 5. More than 40 Tampa Bay nonprofit organizations were recognized as finalists in eight categories by an independent panel of judges. From those finalists, eight were honored in their respective categories. “Forty Carrots is thrilled to be recognized as Tampa Bay's top Nonprofit in the Education category this year," said Forty Carrots Executive Director Michelle Kapreilian. "Our team of childhood and parenting educators, licensed therapists, and our terrific support staff, work hard every day to  provide exceptional early childhood education and give families the tools they need to raise their children in safe, happy and healthy homes. This award is a testament to their dedication and commitment to the families and communities we serve." 

Forty Carrots

[SCOOP]  Unique Collection at the Marie Selby Garden Shop

Looking for “just the thing” for a wedding or hostess gift? Look no further than the Garden Shop at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens where Mariposa Brillante’s “Gregarious Garden” collection is available in a wide range of innovative serveware, frames and gifts for the home. Something for every occasion or special gathering as well as stylish every day living. Manufactured of recyled aluminum for easy care. The shop is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and paid admission to the Gardens’ is NOT required.  So shop ‘til your heart’s content! 900 S. Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota; (941) 366-5731, ext. 241 

Marie Selby Gardens

[SCOOP]  Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix

The 30th Annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival gets underway June 28th to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. This years Festival offers a plethora of events for the entire family to enjoy. This Grand Prix Race will be held off Lido Beach on Sunday, July 6, with two races scheduled at 11 am and 1 pm. Sarasota is one of the longest continuously running race sites in the country. Over the past 29 years, $14 Million in facilities have been constructed serving children with special needs and their families. Net proceeds raised each year provides funding for special project requests and maintenance to local facilities, so that program and service money can go directly to the clients they serve. 

Grand Prix

[SCOOP]  Derek's Rustic Coastal Cuisine Grand Opening

Come try Derek's, a casual fun dining restaurant with rustic, coastal cuisine with a fun southern twist. Chef/owner Derek Barnes focuses on fresh seafood while offering guest a dining experience that is fresh, new, fun and casual. A semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Best Chef South award, Derek worked with Emeril Lagasse in the kitchen of Emeril’s in New Orleans before opening his own restaurant on the SunCoast. Derek’s talent for creating unique, pleasurable dishes has earned him  the "Most Innovative Chef" title in the Best of SRQ Magazine, and the exclusive Zagat Guide,  America’s Top Restaurants listing to name a few.The venue is appropriate for the power lunch crowd, casual luncheons, those special evenings, business dinners, private parties and fit for families of all ages. Derek's also offers a private media room for pharmaceutical parties, business luncheons, business dinners, small sporting events, birthday parties, anniversaries or for that intimate gathering. 

Derek's

[SCOOP]  Body Rolling Around the World With Dianne Glass

This week Dianne Glass is away from Sarasota teaching a Yamuna Body Face Ball training in Milan, Italy. The great thing about the Italians is the incredibly beautiful state of the art studio space equipped with an espresso machine, spa like locker rooms located in the city center next to the the largest gothic cathedral known as il Duomo. While in Milan, Dianne is utilizing Face Ball Certification, a therapeutic experience that is also aesthetically effective. Consider it fitness for the face; a natural face lift. Dianne said, "It is impossible to roll the fabulous expressions from all the beautiful Italian students!" 

Yamuna Body Rolling

[SCOOP]  IMG Academy Sports Summit

Recently,  IMG Academy hosted a two week summit to use sports as a means of helping young adults from numerous nations gain practical leadership skills and promote positive change in their communities. The International Power of Sport Summit, which IMG Academy is hosting, is facilitated by the United Nations' Office on Sport for Development and Peace. Participants ages 18 to 25 came from across the globe, including the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Asia. Each day, the discussions and other activities focused on a particular objective such as: conflict resolution, sports and peace building, adapted physical activities for the disabled, HIV/AIDS prevention, athletic and personal development. As the summit got underway, the world-renowned academy that trains athletes in a variety of sports also conducted a grand opening. Its new 40,000-square-foot field house for its football program is part of an ongoing expansion of its nearly 500-acre campus in west Bradenton. 

IMG Academy

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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