Statement to the Board regarding Quads Critical Area Plan

This statement on reopening the Critical Area Plan (CAP) of the public lands near the Celery fields was presented in Open to the Public and via email on Jan. 29, 2019. It is necessary to remind our elected officials that this is public land because they make decisions like this. 

1.29.2019

To:      The Board of Sarasota County Commissioners
From:  Tom Matrullo
RE:     Critical Area Plan for the Quad Parcels/Celery Fields Area

Commissioners,

As you know, the Quad parcels have galvanized public attention here for the past two years.

The excellent planning memorandum on the CAP clearly indicates that this process holds promise for a new vision of these public lands and the Celery Fields area. Mr. Osterhoudt and Mr. Kirk state:

An analysis of the general conditions should be performed for the entire CAP area.

Further, they describe possible uses for these public parcels, including #6:

Park, recreation indoor/outdoor, civic/cultural

The Memo promises to examine mobility, buffering, landscaping, aesthetics, architectural design, and connection with the Celery Fields, as well as to identify incompatible uses. All this is music to the ears of the communities of the Fresh Start Initiative.

We fully agree that all citizens of Sarasota County are equal stakeholders, as the memo states:

… ensure public input from interested individuals and organizations, property owners and occupants within the CAP area, as well as users of the Celery Fields facilities.

As fiduciary stewards of our public lands, your Scope of Work needs to be open, transparent, and inclusive. We recommend that you incorporate three clarifying elements in this process:

1. Make unambiguously clear that no preference or deference will be given to any particular group who might provide input to the amendment process. The phrase “stakeholders and the general public” be amended to clarify that all citizens are equal stakeholders. 
2. The Board might legitimately seek input from specific subgroups of “stakeholders,” so long as the openness of this process is honored. Make sure every meeting is advertised and open to all. 
3. The process might find compelling reason to amend the boundaries of the CAP. Your Scope of Work should allow flexibility of boundaries for such contingency. 

Finally, make the most of this opportunity to meet pressing community needs -- affordable workforce housing, athletic facilities, civic spaces for thousands of future residents. The Celery Fields is an exceptional eco-tourist destination in need of parking and supplementary facilities. 

This process can address all these considerations.

Commissioners, the people of Sarasota want this to succeed. At the end of the day, if done right, our community will have a new vision of the area -- one that respects these important assets, protects them for future synergies, and connects them with crucial community benefits.

Thank you.

Tom Matrullo

Public "Quad" parcels

Quad parcels and Celery Fields