Habitat for Humanity Sarasota proposes 17 unit townhome development on Aspinwall Road

The City of Sarasota's Planning Board convened on August 7, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal from Habitat for Humanity Sarasota for a new townhome development. The proposed project, located at the southwest corner of Aspinwall and Rhodes, aims to construct 17 affordable townhomes on a 1.35-acre site.

Renee Snyder from Habitat for Humanity highlighted the organization's commitment to providing affordable housing, noting that the development would offer homes with 0% interest mortgages, ensuring families pay no more than 30% of their gross monthly income. This initiative aligns with the city’s recent shift in land use designation from community office institutional to urban mixed use, which supports increased housing density in the area.

The proposal includes a request to rezone the property from Office Residential District (ORD) to Urban Mixed Use (MU 1), allowing for up to 13 units per acre. The current zoning would permit a higher density of 25 units per acre, making the new plan a reduction in population density. The development is designed to be compatible with surrounding land uses, including existing office spaces and multifamily residences.

The site plan was presented, showing two buildings housing the 17 units, with considerations for existing drainage issues and landscaping. The project aims to improve drainage conditions on the site, addressing potential environmental concerns.

The Planning Board's discussions emphasized the importance of affordable housing in Sarasota, with board members expressing support for the initiative. The next steps will involve further review and approval from the city commission, as Habitat for Humanity seeks to enhance the community with this new development.