SNN looks at impact of Gabbert Waste Transfer Facility on Celery Fields

Letter from Fresh Start protesting industrialization near the Celery Fields.

ALSO: Get Notified of Public Meeting:

In mid-May, the County will hold a public meeting to address a "critical area plan" that could end by rezoning the Quads - our public lands - for sale. If you wish to be put on a notification list for this meeting (it appears to be the only one the County plans to hold), please write to Mary Beth Humphreys of the planning dept. - just ask to be put on the notification list for the May Critical Area Plan meeting for the Quad parcels at the Celery Fields.

Ms. Humphreys can be reached here: mhumphre@scgov.net

A tale of two updates

The Fresh Start Initiative presented to the Board of Sarasota County Commissioners community-based proposals and for public lands at the Celery Fields as well as a broader vision for the Celery Fields area that came out of five months of discussions, panels, interviews, and a round table process (all documented on this blog).

Below a slide shows possible enhancements to the area, including a footbridge linking the public parcel #1 with the Celery Fields wetlands. Also a tourist center and a parking area, all from the April 25 power point presentation to the Board.

Also on April 25, 2018, James Gabbert resubmitted his proposal for a waste transfer station on 6 acres adjacent to public parcel #2, at Porter Rd. and Palmer Blvd.

Waste transfer station stock image

Gabbert's proposed demolition waste facility for the whole of parcel #2 last year triggered an uproar among Sarasota residents and visitors who opposed placing a dump on public land near the Celery Fields. (Timeline)

How to site a Waste Transfer Facility (EPA)

Fresh Start thanks its advisory panel, HOA presidents and signatories, delegates, and all who helped develop and refine community-based proposals as well as a larger, unifying vision for the Celery Fields area.