Resident tells Downtown Master Plan Committee younger voices are underrepresented, raises short-term rental and density concerns

Carl Lewis, a Sarasota resident, told the Downtown Master Plan Committee during the public comment period on Sept. 29 that younger and working-age households are underrepresented in city discussions and that the imbalance influences downtown planning outcomes.

“Some of the voices in the age group of 60, 70, and 80 years old… they come in big numbers, and they have a lot of weight on where this city goes,” Lewis said. He urged the committee to reach people who work and raise families in Sarasota and said those groups do not always have time to attend meetings.

Lewis raised the short-term rental rules and downtown density as examples where older, organized voices have driven policy outcomes. “We also wanna stop the sprawl out east. Can’t have it both,” he said, urging a balanced approach to housing and vibrancy. He said short-term rental regulations and local costs can limit the ability of some families to visit and experience Sarasota.

Committee members responded by pointing to the City Commission resolution that created the ad hoc committee and to the committee’s expected role in advocating broad public engagement once a consultant is selected. Chair Bill Waddell cited the commission’s direction to include residents and workers on the committee, and several members said reaching younger people would require extra outreach effort once the consultant begins public engagement.

Why it matters: committee members and staff agreed the consultant-led process should include outreach beyond the frequent public commenters to ensure the master plan reflects a range of ages and interests in the community. Several committee members suggested the ad hoc committee and consultant should prioritize outreach to groups that do not usually attend City Hall meetings.

The comment period lasted briefly; the meeting then continued with the ITN and procurement discussion.