Golden Gate Point
Association, Inc.
136 Golden Gate Point #702
Sarasota, Florida 34236
ggp@goldengatepoint.net
Golden Gate Point:
StreetScape Project:
Park Discussion:
History of GGP:
GOLDEN GATE POINT ASSOC. SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 16, 2008
President Watermeier explained that, according to our by-laws, only members of the Association who could vote. Brent Parker explained the goals of this meeting. We must decide if the association will submit a petition to the county for a neighborhood park on GGP and if so, where. John Dent explained the petition process. Any one or group can submit a petition which can be downloaded from the county’s web site. The city will then review the parcel and make a recommendation to the county.
Brent explained that the maintenance would be provided by the county but that since our streetscape project would require us to pay additional maintenance on the street plantings, we might add to the basic park plan whatever upgrades we desired. Discussion ensued about the process and whether we would want a park. Objections were raised that it might attract homeless people. Local Police Officer, Lt. Jeff Carr spoke about Sarasota’s homeless population. He said there were about 30 chronic homeless people in the downtown area and that if the neighborhood stays actively involved by reporting with name and call back number any lawless behavior, the police will respond. He recommended posting closing times and getting benches with dividers. Some residents felt a park would attract homeless, but Officer Carr explained that the park would be designed so as to minimize use by homeless by eliminating hiding places. We would ask for a passive park with paths, landscaping and a few benches. Many residents thought the park would be a lovely addition and give us a protected green space when the inside areas are developed.
A vote was taken by written ballot on whether residents were in favor of petitioning the County for a park. The vote passed with 26 yes and 17 no votes.
Then we discussed which of the three presently available parcels of land we wanted to recommend. By show of hands, we decided to recommend the inside center vacant area numbered 111 and 653.
Brent explained the zoning changes on GGP being considered by the City Planning Board. It creates an overlay which allows developers to build town housed 50 ft. high and 10 feet from lot line. Any possible developments will have to be brought before the neighborhood association in addition to the city commission.
There being no more business, the Special Meeting was adjourned and a regular Board meeting took place.
Respectively submitted,