Sarasota Housing Authority outlines 308-unit pipeline, flags unexpected fees

The Sarasota Housing Authority told the City Commission on March 3 that it has three funded developments totaling about 308 new affordable units that will close and begin construction this year, and it is planning a separate 100-unit phase along Lemon Avenue.

The authority’s president and CEO, William Russell, said the agency has dramatically expanded its inventory over the past 20 years through partnerships with the city, the county and Fortis Development. Russell told commissioners the authority has gone from about 75 public-housing units to more than 2,200 vouchers, 331 affordable units and a mix of project-based rental assistance in recent years.

Russell said the authority’s pipeline includes Loss on Lemon 2 (about 100 units), Cypress Square II (108 units) and Cypress Square III plus Central Gardens (together about 100 units). He said those three projects are funded and that closing and construction on many units will happen over the next 12–24 months. Russell also described potential future development on the McAllen Tower parking lot that could include a parking deck and public-access spaces; he said that idea may require future zoning changes and a city partnership.

Why it matters: The authority said the recent pace of development — 665 units in 15 years versus HUD-built stock over four decades — has significantly increased affordable housing options in the city. Commissioners pressed staff on capacity, site preparation and whether displaced residents had an opportunity to return. Russell said the Amarillis Park Place campus (an elderly building and multiple family buildings) will be completed in phases, with phase 3 closing and construction starting this spring and wrap-up anticipated in 15–16 months; he said the site is currently vacant following HUD approval to demolish older units.

Commissioners asked about bedroom mixes, flood mitigation and how the authority has handled previous relocations. Russell said apartment bedroom mixes have been similar across eras, that recent projects have included stormwater vaults and drains (noting specific work at Cypress Square and Greg Street), and that when public-housing units were demolished earlier roughly 64 families were relocated with many moving into new units or using vouchers to move elsewhere.

Clarifying details discussed at the meeting: Russell said the authority expects about $244,000 in unbudgeted fees related to the Loss on Lemon 2 construction (sidewalk closure, temporary parking loss, crane placement) for which staff cannot waive the city charges, and said the authority may return to the commission to request relief. He also said 60–75% of the Amarillis campus site is planned open/parking/stormwater and that the Boys & Girls Club occupies a long-term ground lease east of the site and is building a new clubhouse on authority-owned property.

What happens next: Russell said staff will return if the authority needs fee relief. Commissioners said they plan continued oversight on zoning changes and asked the authority to come back with details if they seek design changes to McAllen Tower’s parking and public-parking options.

Sources: Presentation by William Russell, Sarasota Housing Authority, and Q&A with commissioners during the March 3, 2025 City Commission meeting.