Sarasota City planners have endorsed the renovation and site-plan waivers of a community center off Myrtle Avenue.
A proposal calls for the Robert L. Taylor recreational complex, at 1845 34th St., to be torn down and renovated. The phased project includes both indoor and outdoor facilities – among them "exercise stations, enhanced stream with bridge, outdoor volleyball, outdoor basketball, outdoor theater/stage, new swimming pool, shaded seating and picnic pavilions and areas, playgrounds for different ages and jogging and walking trails," according to city staff.
The complex will also feature basketball courts, volleyball courts, a weight room, cardio equipment, social spaces, a teen room, a group exercise room, event space for 200-300 people, education rooms, a computer room, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, locker facilities and commercial kitchen facilities.
The first phase will be the construction of the recreation building and parking; plus the outdoor basketball and volleyball courts; the theater; and play, picnic and exercise areas. The next phase will include pool and indoor volleyball area, followed by ball fields on the western expanse of the property.
Planners last week were asked to recommend to the city commissioners two exemptions on the 13-acre site’s new construction: Reduce the minimum front yard setback off 34th Street from 20 to 15 feet and reduce required on-site parking from 633 to 188 spaces.
The parking issue was questioned by planning board members, but the concerns were quelled by City Planner Thomas Larrabee. In light of the center’s being a destination for cyclists, walkers and parents dropping off children, he said, an abundance of parking spaces was unnecessary.
Larrabee said the current center has about 40 parking spaces. City codes call for the 633, but based on past and future use, 188 was deemed the number best suited for the facility.
The planners agreed and unanimously recommended the city commission approve the setback and parking waivers.
The matter is expected to come before the city commission next month for final ratification.