New downtown master plan committee holds first meeting, asks for more guidance from city
The committee's formation was approved by the Sarasota City Commision in September. Their task: to update the downtown Master Plan, which was first adopted in 2001.
The committee's formal recommendations will eventually go before the city commission for final approval.
Meet your new Downtown Master Plan Update Ad-Hoc Committee
The city commission considered more than 40 applications and came up with a board of 13, which is heavily represented by Sarasota's business and development community. Committee members were chosen by the commission in November.
Chair Howard Davis – A local developer and urban planner.
Vice Chair Bill Waddill – A senior planner with Kimley Horn and the former Managing Director of the Bay Park Conservatory.
Chris Voekler – A member of the city's downtown Improvement District board and owner of State Street Eating House + Cocktails.
Elena Paul – general counsel at the Ringling College of Art and Design.
Erin DiFazio – A realtor and member of the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation's leadership team.
Jamie Still - vice president of the downtown Sarasota Condo Association and secretary of the Urbanite Theater.
Jen Stulter – president of Stutler Strategies.
Ken Shelin - Former Sarasota city commissioner and a veteran of a litany of city advisory boards.
Melissa Laughlin – The owner of a local business consulting practice.
Richard Russell – general director of the Sarasota Opera and chair of Visit Sarasota County.
Sarah Lyons – The founder and owner of S.Ly architecture.
Tiffany Nisbet – A downtown realtor with the RE/MAX Alliance Group.
Will Luera – An actor, performer and director of events and training for DreamLarge.
The committee also has an official facilitator, Tammy Vrana, an urban planner and the president of Vrana Consulting out of Safety Harbor.
'My role as your facilitator is that I will be a neutral participant,' Vrana told the board. 'I'm going to just create space for the diverse voices on this committee to be heard, and then hopefully to help you do productive discussions in coming up with your recommendations.'
Shayla Griggs, the city's auditor and clerk, took several minutes at the beginning of the meeting to remind the board members that their activities fall under Florida Sunshine Laws. Members cannot discuss board business outside of public meetings and were asked to forward all committee-related communications to their city emails.
The ad-hoc committee will essentially function liken any other elected or advisory board for the city.
Election of a chair and vice chair
There was some procedural awkwardness and confusion as part of the committee's first day jitters. The process of selecting a chair and vice chair became slightly confused without a city attorney present.
Voekler voiced her concern that the board should perhaps wait until they have a clearer scope of their plan and objectives before they elect leadership, but not enough of her colleagues agreed.
Howard Davis and Bill Waddill were both nominated to be chair. After an extended period of consulting with city staff, the board ultimately elected Davis, who won out by a single vote. Waddill was then voted in to be vice chair.
Nisbet asked if a city attorney could be present at the next meeting, an idea seconded by Waddill, to ensure a smoother procedural process. City Planning Director Steve Cover said that staff will look into it.
Davis and other board members asked city staff for more direction on what will be expected from them as a committee. The newly minted board chair said he wanted an overall timeline of the committee's work 'so we can at least see what the steps are and the approximate time it will take to get from the beginning to the end.'
'This group needs to have a more clear sense of the schedule. This group needs to have a more clear sense of the step by step by step - 'this is how this process will work.'' Davis said.
The meeting's only public commenter was Marlon Brown, the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's director of government affairs, and Sarasota's former City Manager.
'This is a very, very important and monumentous task that you're about to undertake,' Brown said, as board members nodded along. 'As I've always said to everyone, this is a marathon. It's not a sprint. So please take your time and do this right and do it for the right reasons."
Sarasota Vice Mayor Debbie Trice was also present for the meeting, as a spectator.
City officials indicated the committee's next meeting will be March 26.
Christian Casale covers local government for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Email him at ccasale@gannett.com or christiancasale@protonmail.com
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New city board to update downtown master plan holds first meeting
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
24-07-2025
- Gizmodo
After Years of Promises, Tesla Says Its Cheaper Car Is Actually on the Way
For nearly a decade, it has been the holy grail for Tesla fans and the key to its mainstream future: a truly affordable electric car for the masses. After years of promises, delays, and speculation, the company confirmed on Wednesday that the long-awaited cheaper Tesla is finally moving from myth to reality. In its Q2 2025 earnings release, Tesla stated, 'We continue to expand our vehicle offering, including first builds of a more affordable model in June, with volume production planned for the second half of 2025.' This is the most concrete evidence to date that what many have dubbed the 'Model 2' is in production. The confirmation sent a ripple of excitement through the market, suggesting Tesla is finally making good on a promise that dates back to Elon Musk's original 'Master Plan,' written in 2006. The so-called 'Model 2' has long been rumored as a smaller, mass-market vehicle for customers priced out of Tesla's current lineup. Speculation—never confirmed by Tesla—pegs its price at around $25,000, compared to the Model 3, the company's cheapest car, which starts at $42,500. However, the excitement was quickly tempered by the complex reality of Tesla's current business challenges. During the company's earnings call, CFO Vaibhav Taneja revealed that the rollout will be slower than initially hoped. The reason? A strategic choice to prioritize a last-minute sales blitz of its more expensive models before the $7,500 federal EV tax credit expires on September 30th. 'We started the production of the lower-cost model as planned in the first half of 2025,' Taneja told analysts. 'However, given our focus on building and delivering as many vehicles as possible in reverse, before the EV credit expires and the additional complexity of ramping a new product, the ramp will happen next quarter slower than initially expected.' Elon Musk provided a slightly more optimistic, if still distant, timeline, telling analysts, 'We'll be running with the more affordable models available for everyone in Q4.' He also sought to reassure investors that affordability would not come at the expense of profitability. 'The goal with those products was not to negatively impact revenue or gross margin, but just to make a car that everyone loves and wants at a more affordable price,' Musk said. Many Tesla fans were disappointed and quickly voiced their frustration on X, Musk's social platform. 'I don't understand why they are delaying it. Could they not initially sell it in other countries. Then it would show people in the US they can get a better car in Q3 for the same/better price as the cheaper car in Q4,' one user said. I don't understand why they are delaying it. Could they not initially sell it in other countries. Then it would show people in the US they can get a better car in Q3 for the same/better price as the cheaper car in Q4. — Craig Mouser (@mouser58907) July 24, 2025For a long time, Tesla's enormous market capitalization was based in part on the fact that the carmaker would produce a car that millions of people could afford. Last year, Musk suggested that Tesla had shelved its plans for an affordable model. The arrival of a cheaper Tesla could be a game-changer, unlocking a vast new market of buyers who have been priced out of the EV revolution. A successful launch could help Tesla combat slowing sales and increasing competition from Chinese automakers who have flooded the market with low-cost EVs. But major questions remain. While the company has not revealed official pricing or specifications, Musk offered a clue about the car's identity during the call, seemingly putting an end to years of 'Model 2' speculation. When asked about the new model, Musk quipped, 'It's just a Model Y. Let the cat out of the bag there.' This suggests the affordable car will be a simplified or stripped-down version of its best-selling SUV, rather than an entirely new vehicle built on a different platform. It's a more affordable take on the company's best-seller. 'I bet it uses the same body with scaled back features,' said Gene Munster, analyst at Deep Water Management. 'This is just like Apple does with the iPhone. But if it really looks just like the Y, it will cannibalize the Y. I have to think more about that trade off.' Musk says the new affordable model will 'look just like the Model Y.' My take: I bet it uses the same body with scaled back features. This is just like Apple does with the iPhone. But if it really looks just like the Y, it will cannibalize the Y. I have to think more about that… — Gene Munster (@munster_gene) July 23, 2025Still, the 'slower ramp' means that by the time this cheaper Model Y is available in significant numbers, the federal tax credit that could have made it even more affordable will be long gone. For Tesla, the stakes are enormous. Delivering a successful, profitable, mass-market vehicle would fulfill a core part of its founding mission. But after years of waiting, the company must now prove it can execute on its most important promise yet, all while navigating a more challenging and competitive landscape than ever before.
Fox Sports
15-07-2025
- Fox Sports
Ed Carpenter Racing to be on the Move with New Facility
INDYCAR Ed Carpenter Racing has announced plans to relocate its NTT INDYCAR SERIES operation to Westfield, Indiana in time for the 2027 season. A new state-of-the-art racing headquarters will be built as part of Westfield's Grand Park District Master Plan, a blueprint designed to enhance and expand the existing Grand Park Sports Complex. ECR will be the only NTT INDYCAR SERIES team headquartered in Hamilton County. ECR's facility is planned to encompass 76,000 square feet and house advanced engineering and technical development spaces along with retail and fan engagement components. It also will feature a public viewing area into the team's operations, a merchandise story and a Java House café. The project will include construction of the first Westfield-funding parking garage at Grand Park, enhancing access and convenience for visitors. ECR fields two cars in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in this its 14th season. The ownership group is comprised of four Indiana businessmen: Ed Carpenter, Ted Gelov, Tony George and Stuart Reed. Gelov owns Heartland Food Products Group, which is best known for its consumer brands Splenda and Java House Coffee, is also based in Hamilton County. ECR's full-season drivers are Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen. Carpenter competes in the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. ECR's plans continue the investments series teams have made in the various communities. Arrow McLaren, Andretti Global, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, AJ Foyt Racing and PREMA Racing have or are building new facilities in the Indianapolis area in recent months. recommended Item 1 of 3
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Yahoo
S'pore's new blueprint will give residents more flexibility to choose ideal home: Analysts
SINGAPORE – Singapore's latest draft masterplan will give residents greater flexibility in choosing an ideal living environment across the island, with amenities – as well as workspaces in some cases – located nearer homes, said analysts. The new masterplan – Singapore's land use development blueprint for the next 10 to 15 years – focuses more on creating an environment that fosters a healthier and more active lifestyle, supports the Republic's ageing population and addresses the challenges of climate change, they added. Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at property agency OrangeTee Group, said there is a bigger emphasis on an environment that enhances the quality of life for Singaporeans through the provision of more homes with access to sea, river and park views, as well as more parks and amenities, and the preservation of heritage buildings and cultural sites. Furthermore, there is a dedicated effort to build new sports facilities closer to residential areas to encourage a healthier lifestyle, Ms Sun said. This means that Singaporeans will have a more diverse array of housing options to suit their needs, be they near the city centre, schools, parks or waterways. With each community designed to be better connected with essential amenities, this ensures convenient access to schools, healthcare facilities and recreational areas wherever residents choose to live, added Ms Sun. 'All these initiatives will help to create a more balanced, sustainable living experience for all residents, regardless of age and budget,' she said. At least 80,000 public and private homes will be introduced across more than 10 new housing areas in the next 10 to 15 years, with new neighbourhoods planned in areas such as Dover, Defu, Newton and Paterson. Integrated community hubs with sports facilities, healthcare and community spaces are also in the works for Sengkang, Woodlands North and Yio Chu Kang. Mr Marcus Chu, chief executive of real estate agency ERA Singapore, said that with more housing estates catching up in terms of amenities and accessibility, housing demand may start to be spread more evenly across Singapore. This could, in turn, lead to more even price growth across different regions. More land parcels around MRT stations and more business hubs are also being planned outside the Central Business District to bring work closer to homes, spread the load on the transport network and reduce the need to set aside land for roads, said Mr Mark Yip, CEO of property firm Huttons Asia. One such example is the greater one-north precinct, which has developed into a bustling research-and-development hub with more than 50,000 knowledge workers. Mr Lee Sze Teck, Huttons' senior director of data analytics, said there is therefore a need to provide more homes so that the workers can live near their workplaces. 'This will reduce travelling time and stress on the transport network,' he added. The Dover-Medway neighbourhood in the precinct could see 6,000 new public and private homes built in the first phase, while some 5,000 new private homes could be introduced in Mediapolis, which is also in the area. Ms Sun said building more homes in Dover-Medway and Mediapolis will in turn attract more workers, researchers, students and expats to live there, and support business growth in the area. Mr Ismail Gafoor, CEO of property firm PropNex, said land use for three plots in Ayer Rajah Crescent, near Media Circle in one-north, has been changed from business park to residential, with commercial use on the first storey. That should bring more amenities to Media Circle, which is set to see more high-density housing. In addition, two sites in the nearby Singapore Science Park II have been updated from business park use to residential. This ties in with the ongoing rejuvenation of the Science Park, he added. In the heart of town, Paterson – on the doorstep of Orchard Road – could get 1,000 new private homes as part of an integrated development with retail, food and beverage and office spaces above Orchard MRT station. Ms Sun said expanding the residential landscape in the Orchard Road precinct is a good move due to the scarcity of available land in prime areas. New government land sites in prime areas – especially near Orchard Road – are quite rare, and it has been many years since The Orchard Residences, an integrated development near the heart of Orchard, was launched, Ms Sun noted. But given the luxury property market's slower growth, some of these new sites may be placed on the reserve list of the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme, she added. Such sites are launched for sale when a developer offers a minimum price that the Government accepts, or when there is enough market interest. Mr Lee pointed out that the land parcel above Orchard MRT station has been rezoned to a white site, and the plot ratios have been bumped up. White sites refer to land parcels designated for mixed-use development and allow for flexibility in development plans, while plot ratios measure how intensively land can be developed. 'This is a prime opportunity to build an iconic shopping and residential project as the last GLS site above Orchard MRT was Ion Orchard and The Orchard Residences in 2005,' he said. But the 60 per cent additional buyer's stamp duty on foreign buyers may not give developers the confidence to bid for that site if it is launched for sale, Mr Lee added. Meanwhile, Ms Catherine He, head of research at commercial real estate services firm Colliers, said sites including Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB), Sembawang Shipyard and the former Singapore Racecourse in Kranji were chosen for redevelopment into housing estates to optimise land use for the maximum benefit of residents, and relocate industrial and commercial activities farther out. In particular, the relocation of PLAB in eastern Singapore from 2030 will be a game-changer, said real estate consultancy Knight Frank Singapore's research head Leonard Tay. With about 800ha of land to be freed up for the development of residences, offices, factories and recreational areas, this means that building height restrictions imposed for the safe navigation of aircraft in surrounding towns could be lifted. Although higher plot ratios around PLAB have not been announced in the latest draft masterplan, Mr Tay said it would be reasonable to expect some collective sale opportunities, as older properties that are no longer constrained by low-rise plot ratios could see an increase in land values after 2030. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
