The Planning Commission advised against DR Horton's Celery Fields plan: Media


Raymond Road Wetlands
Celery Fields

Sarasota County's Planning Commission - an appointed board made up largely of development industry insiders, Realtors and builders - voted to NOT RECOMMEND a plan by the US's biggest builder to construct 170 homes very near the prime birding area of the Celery Fields.



The Public Hearing on Thursday, Nov. 21, ran to after 11 pm as many speakers stayed to have their say.

The final vote of 4-3 to not endorse the proposal was cheered by those who worried about the manifold impacts of construction, cars, lights, noise, pool parties and more upon a wetlands area known for being both a nesting area and a respite for migrating birds.

The Planning Commission vote broke down like this (two board members were absent):

    To not recommend                                             To recommend DR Horton's proposal

    Justin Taylor                                                        T. Andrew Stultz

    Donna Carter                                                       Adam Maio

    John La Civita                                                     Cullen Morgan

    Colin Pember


The next and final hearing will be held by the County Commission. No date has been set - possibly early 2025.


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