Benderson Development has filed a mixed use critical area plan (CAP) for Siesta Promenade, located at the intersection of US 41 S and Stickney Point Rd. They are proposing to build 414 residential units, a 130 room hotel and 140,000 sq ft of retail. It is filed under a CAP in order for them to receive increased density and greater height than what would be allowed within a commercial general zone, should they receive the requested zone change to Commercial General (CG) from the current predominant zoning of Residential Mobile Home.

There have been several neighborhood workshops over the years and the concern remains that the requested density and intensity of use far exceeds what would be allowed in a (CG) zone. They propose 20.5 units per acre (414 apartments + the hotel) versus 13 units per acre (247 apartments + the hotel if the CG zone is approved for the entire property of approximately 23.84 acres). There are 13 buildings planned: 3 buildings at 40’ right across from single family homes; 2 buildings at 65’, 1 at 50’, 6 at 35’ and 1, 85’ hotel.

They propose adding a traffic light at Ave B/C on Stickney Point, which is the street just prior to where the Hibiscus Suites is located, and it is an open ended question as to whether Ave A (the street which allows access to the retail stores on the south side of Stickney and residential homes) will be eventually closed. Their traffic study was not performed during beach going hours and the traffic from the project will be dumped on to the small residential streets of the Pine Shores neighborhood.

Our goal is to ensure that development of the land located at the Stickney Point/US 41 intersection is done in a compatible manner with the surrounding residential neighborhoods and retail establishments. It should not be detrimental to our quality of life, health, safety and welfare, nor cause undue hardship for anyone wishing to access Siesta Key and the beach. Benderson is entitled to a reasonable use of their property, not highest use.

We need your help! We are asking Sarasota County residents and visitors - visitors from around the state of Florida, the US and beyond - to sign this petition and share it with others. Tell the Sarasota County Commission to say no to overdevelopment and increased traffic in an already congested and bottlenecked area. Please sign the petition and share the petition!

This petition will be presented to the Sarasota Planning Commission and the Sarasota County Commission.

Other steps you can take:

1. E-mail the County Commissioners and share your thoughts at commissioners@scgov.net

2. Join our facebook group, Stickney Point Concerned Citizens; focus: Siesta Promenade, to stay up to date on this issue: https://www.facebook.com/groups/169497380265168/

3. Speak with your neighbors and condo/association boards at monthly meetings to inform others of the issue.

4. Attend the hearings before the Planning Commission (currently scheduled for 11/15 at 5pm) and the County Commission (currently scheduled for 12/12 at 9am).