How Hatton Parcel was chosen for Affordable Housing development
The County had done a comprehensive analysis of County-owned surplus property. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee had compiled a list of 11 properties deemed most suitable for developing affordable housing. Colliers International South Florida LLC (“Colliers”) was retained by Sarasota County to prepare a Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Affordable Housing in Sarasota County, and evaluated these 11 parcels, presenting their Plan dated December 30, 2019, at the County Commission meeting February 25, 2020. They recommended 3 priority parcels: 4644 N.Tamiami Trail, "the Quads" on Palmer Blvd (which have since been removed from list), and the Hatton Parcel.
We think there is some flawed analysis in the Colliers Report that resulted in prioritization of the Hatton Parcel.
Below are some EXCERPTS from the Planning Dept report and the Colliers Strategic Plan.
Planning and Development report excerpt: 899 School Avenue South
"Over the years, staff has received interest in this site from affordable housing developers. Staff will now be exploring disposition strategies for this site consistent with the Sarasota County Code (Chapter 2, Article IX) that provides the framework for the disposition of County-owned lands. Staff will provide an update with identified next steps to County Administration for this site by the end of March 2020.... Staff recommends continuing with the disposition strategies for 4644 North Tamiami Trail and 899School Avenue South for affordable housing purposes as outlined herein."
"Over the years, staff has received interest in this site from affordable housing developers. Staff will now be exploring disposition strategies for this site consistent with the Sarasota County Code (Chapter 2, Article IX) that provides the framework for the disposition of County-owned lands. Staff will provide an update with identified next steps to County Administration for this site by the end of March 2020.... Staff recommends continuing with the disposition strategies for 4644 North Tamiami Trail and 899School Avenue South for affordable housing purposes as outlined herein."
EXCERPTS specific to Hatton Parcel from Colliers Strategic Plan. The 28-page document also comprehensively covers all the other 10 parcels, including why they were not chosen, with explanations of methodology & analysis. Ed. correction: Hatton parcel Zoning is Govt not Industr. Full document can be read by accessing the County website's County Commission meetings page for the Feb 25 meeting; agenda item 41.
