Committee identifies priority plans and studies to inform downtown master plan update

Committee members spent the bulk of the Nov. 5 meeting reviewing a list of existing plans and policies the ad hoc committee could consider while updating the downtown master plan. Members identified immediate priorities and added several third‑party studies they want the consultant to review.

High interest items included streetscape design (specifically Tenth Street and Boulevard of the Arts), attainable and affordable housing measures (including density bonus programs and related housing strategies), and downtown zoning districts and standards. Members asked staff to present applicable portions of the Sarasota City comprehensive plan that bear on downtown.

Several committee members asked staff to add external studies and third‑party reports to the materials provided to the consultant. The committee specifically requested the Economic Development Corporation strategic plan (EDC plan), an Architecture Sarasota study done with Harvard University on bayfront resilience, the city's historic property survey, and a demographic analysis focused on downtown.

Steve (city staff) said the comprehensive plan is the city's guiding document and that the committee should review components relevant to downtown rather than all 29 chapters. Members discussed sequencing — several said the consultant should perform a deeper, chapter‑by‑chapter synthesis, but the committee also wants high‑level briefings so members can develop informed interview and negotiation questions.

Members noted other recurring themes the consultant should address: pedestrian connections and public‑realm design, seasonal/tourism impacts (off‑season activity), public‑private partnerships and economic development tools, and ways to curate downtown retail and services for residents.

Next steps: staff will compile an annotated list of the requested plans and studies and circulate it to the committee to help set future meeting agendas and to include in the consultant materials.