The Commercial Real Estate Alpha Site

Pic above by architect Nelson Roy

Via Herald Tribune 

By Emily Le Coz

The City Commission on Monday cleared the way for Sarasota’s first large-scale affordable housing project, unanimously agreeing to change its long-range growth plan to accommodate the complex.
The comprehensive plan amendment reclassifies the property at 2211 Fruitville Road as part of the downtown core, allowing developer Harvey Vengroff to build a higher-density apartment complex than would otherwise be permitted. Vengroff plans to construct as many as 393 apartments in five, six-story buildings, with rents ranging from $650 to $950 per month.
It was the commission’s second such hearing on the matter. The first, on May 2, ended with Vengroff storming out of the meeting over his objections to a proposed city requirement that he submit to annual, municipal property inspections not required of other housing.
The city has since agreed to drop that requirement, as long as Vengroff provides it copies of the annual inspections an insurance company will perform as part of its coverage of the property.
Vengroff said after the meeting he was pleased with the city’s compromise and the commission’s unanimous decision, and looks forward to advancing the project to the next step.
If all goes well, he said, construction could start within the next year and a half.
Most commissioners praised Vengroff’s project, saying it will fulfill a desperate need for housing among residents who struggle to afford Sarasota’s typically high rents.

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