SARASOTA, Fla. — A proposal headed to the City of Sarasota Commission is looking to convince city leaders to acquire real estate to help contribute solutions to the affordable housing crisis in that area.
Community leaders, business owners and renters have long complained that skyrocketing rent, and the lack of affordable and low-to-mid-income friendly housing, have priced people out of the limited supply available.
Bradenton resident Thomas Riesgo, who's an HVAC specialist, said when he first got his job and was searching for a place to live, he realized his earnings would not be able to afford him housing within the Sarasota City limits and its nearby environs.
"Your income at least has got to be at least $10,000 just to be able to afford," Riesgo said.
He said it was a wiser financial decision to instead live in a more pocket-friendly area and commute into Sarasota.
"Bradenton is not as expensive as it is out here because we're close to the water here and it's like a bit more upper class," he said.
City Manager Marlon Brown said despite various density and new development incentives, housing is a desperate situation.
"We've talked about affordable housing and attainable housing 'til the cows come home and nothing has been done," Brown said.
He said it's time for the city to explore the option of creating its own workforce housing that's not driven by profit to serve the community.
His proposal, which he plans to bring to the city commission next week, is a solution that scratches the surface of the long-existing problem of unattainable housing.
It calls for a plan to purchase lots across city hall for $7.4 million for nearly 200 apartment units in high-rise buildings that could go up to 12 stories.
Each of the buildings would include ground floor retail space, about three levels of parking, and eight residential floors that would house workforce staff earning under $120,000. The targeted tenants include teachers, police officers, journalists, and employees in local governments, retail, and hospitality.
"Individuals who work here but can't afford to live here: the individual who service, the individuals who live in these high-priced luxury condos. Those are the individuals we're targeting to live across the street from City Hall," he said.
The one and two-bedroom units, Brown says, will cost under $1200 per month.
"$1200 to $2000 is a decent price," Riesgo said. "If you have a partner, it's different...$1200 wouldn't be so much,"
Economic inclusivity is also something Riesgo would like to see.
"They need to put everybody together. Don't keep the rich people over here and put the poor people over there. Put everybody together," added Riesgo.
A key non-profit has already pledged funds toward the project. Brown said he can solicit more if given the green light by city leaders.
"We can't wait on the private sector to do something impactful," said Brown.
If approved, the project could begin as early as the spring of 2025 and be completed by the end of that year.
The proposal will go before the city commission on Monday, April 15.