Neighbors weigh in on proposal to rezone land near Celery Fields in Sarasota [Video]

SARASOTA, Fla. — Despite the Sarasota Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny a rezoning permit, neighbors are still monitoring a development proposal for private land near the Celery Fields. 

Some neighbors and community groups are concerned about what will happen when it goes before the county commission.

The Celery Fields serves as a vital stormwater collection area, but it has also become a critical habitat for local and migratory birds. However, the redevelopment plan for a nearly 50-acre private parcel has some within the community.

“What we have here is a question of whether these are compatible options,” Tom Matrullo with the Sarasota Citizens Action Network said.

If developers have their way with rezoning the land on Raymond Road from “open use rural” to “residential single family,” they …