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Concerns over former golf course development
A standing-room only crowd was at a public hearing in Sarasota as the fight over the future of a former golf course continues. FOX 13's Blake DeVine reports.
GULF GATE ESTATES, Fla. - Plenty of people packed into a community meeting at the Gulf Gate Library on Wednesday night.
Center of development debate
The backstory:
Residents gathered to hear what will happen to the former Gulf Gate Golf Course property, which has sat vacant since 2016.
The 49 acres of land remains at the center of a years-long debate over whether the property should become greenspace or a new housing development.
Push for greenspace and stormwater infrastructure
What they're saying:
Miguel Rivera, a Gulf Gate resident, says environmental concerns have complicated previous development efforts.
"There have been various developers who have purchased and actually backed out of the deal because of the contamination issues," Rivera said.
Back in February, Sarasota County commissioners voted unanimously, 5-0, to pursue purchasing the land.
Rivera says residents believe the property could instead serve as a public benefit project.
"We can buy it and turn it into stormwater infrastructure, as well as a greenspace," Rivera said.
County negotiations with Miami-based developer
Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Neunder says negotiations are ongoing with Miami-based 13th Floor Investments.
"We’re actively trying to negotiate," Neunder said. "This is the last opportunity for Sarasota County residents to have their voices heard with the developer."
Contamination concerns
The other side:
The meeting was hosted by attorneys representing the developer, who acknowledged arsenic and pesticides were discovered in the property’s soil.
Brett Brumund is an attorney with Goldstein Environmental Law Firm.
"We heard all of their concerns," Brumund said. "About the development that’s going on and what they would like to see in regard to communication with the developer."
Environmental cleanup underway
The law firm says it’s working with the state through a voluntary cleanup program to address environmental concerns before construction starts.
Brumund says developers are hoping to begin construction later this year.
"We’re looking at breaking ground towards the end of this year, fourth quarter," Brumund said. "Which I believe would start in October."
What's next:
Two additional public hearings will take place before any final decisions are made regarding the property’s future.
The Source: Information for this story came from statements from the Goldstein Environmental Law Firm, statements from the Sarasota County Commission, interviews with Gulf Gate residents and previous reporting on FOX 13 News.