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Commission approves $180,000 mobility-fee reimbursement for Boca Royale intersection amid public pushback
Summary
Commissioners approved a mobility-fee agreement that will reimburse $180,000 of a developer-built intersection and signal near Boca Royale. Residents urged the developer pay the full cost; county staff said the payment will come from mobility-fee funds, not the general fund.
Sarasota County commissioners voted unanimously June 2 to approve a mobility-fee reimbursement agreement that provides $180,000 toward a developer-built intersection and signal at the intersection of State Road 776 and Old Englewood Road near Boca Royale.
The item drew extensive public comment. Residents argued the signal was not required under corrected zoning stipulations and that taxpayers should not subsidize developer improvements that primarily serve a private subdivision. "$180,000 is a lot of money," said a resident. "If Neil needs money, he should take up a collection from the residents of Boca Royale since they are the only ones benefiting from the signal," another speaker said.
Transportation Director Spencer Anderson explained the developer initially estimated a $3.3 million construction cost and sought up to 80% reimbursement. County staff negotiated the developer's request down and described $180,000 as the county's share under a mobility-fee proportional-share arrangement. Anderson stressed that these funds are mobility fees (impact fees) collected for road projects and not general fund tax dollars.
Commissioners discussed the history: an earlier rezoning ordinance included language referring to a "fully signalized" intersection, which was later revised to remove the signal requirement after proportional-share negotiations. Some speakers and commissioners urged more traffic study and attention to other nearby intersections (notably Manasota Beach Road). After public comment and staff explanation, the commission approved the mobility-fee agreement and associated items by motion.
County staff said the mobility-fee payment will be charged to mobility-fee accounts that are funded by developers and new development, with the intent of offsetting project-specific transportation impacts. The board did not change the ordinance language at this meeting; it approved the mobility-fee agreement as presented.
