Rolling Green Rezone Approved by Sarasota Board of County Commissioners

In a 4 to 1 vote, the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners approved the rezone to allow the construction of 487 single-family homes and villas on the 139.28 acres.  The only entrances and exits are on Tuttle Ave.  The Rolling Green Golf Village Condominium Association, directly to the north of the property reached a settlement with the rezone applicant and attorney for buffer concessions, sealing the deal.  Voting For the rezone, Commissioners Maio (District 4), Ziegler (District 2), Detert (District 3), and Hines (District 5).  Voting to Deny, Commissioner Moran (District 1).

This rezone was opposed by residents from the Winds of St. Armands, Rolling Green Golf Village South, Northwood Community, and DeSoto Acres Community for many reasons, the most cited being safety as the County refused to address the “failed” condition of Tuttle Ave and lack of traffic planning concurrent with the development’s estimated construction.  Many residents sent in letters and both attended and spoke against the density of the project at the public hearings.  It was asked at the Planning Commission if there were any dollars in the County budget to address Tuttle’s “failed” level of current usage and the inevitable increase in Tuttle traffic from this development.  The answer was, there is no budget at this time.

Communities surrounding this now approved rezone, are watching how the County will address the expected aggravation of current issues.

The next County Commission election is in 2020 for District 1, District 3, and District 5.  Don’t forget, the Sarasota County Charter amendment to restrict voting in each commission race to residents who live within the district passed 60% to 40% in the Nov. 8th, 2018 general election.  This voting rule is in place for the 2020 elections.