Sarasota property set for major zoning transformation

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposal to rezone a 1.9-acre parcel of land currently home to Sarasota Lanes from Commercial General (CG) to Downtown Edge. This change aligns with the city’s long-term vision for the area, which has been designated as Urban Edge in future land use plans.

The proposal aims to facilitate a transition to an edge zoning district, a move that has been delayed due to the existing use of the property. The current CG designation does not accommodate the proposed developments, prompting the request for rezoning. The Downtown Edge designation is expected to better match the surrounding properties, particularly those north of Fruitville Road.

City planners noted that the area has historically retained its CG designation, a remnant of earlier zoning practices. However, as the city evolves, there is a clear shift towards more urbanized developments, including potential town hall projects, which are more suitable for the Downtown Edge classification. The meeting underscored the importance of adapting zoning regulations to reflect the city's growth and development goals.