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Proposed Settlement Could Turn Part of Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park Into Food Court

Information and image from Herald-Tribune.com

According to the Herald-Tribune, the city of Sarasota is considering a proposed deal that would turn part of Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park downtown into a food court. The city is in a legal dispute with companies affiliated with EDM Realty Partners, LP, a New York-based real estate firm, about the ownership of land downtown. A lawyer representing one of the companies has proposed a settlement in which the city would sell the parcel, and some adjacent land, to them. EDM Realty Partners is considering developing the land into a two-story food court with rooftop seating. Many city residents came to Monday’s City Commission meeting to oppose the proposal and argue the park’s size shouldn’t be diminished. The park is dedicated to Paul N. Thorpe Jr., who was instrumental in the downtown revitalization after the 1970s. “Please do not sell our park to anyone for any reason,” Sarasota resident Flo Entler asked the commission. “Please keep Paul’s park for the people.” The commissioners haven’t made a decision on the settlement. They heard local citizens’ opinions on the subject on Monday and will continue the discussion at another board meeting. One of the companies, EDM-Sarasota, LLC, has offered a deal in which the city would sell an area of land to the company or an affiliate for $275,000. This land includes part of Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park. Many residents expressed their affection for the park, formerly known as Pineapple Park, but rededicated in 2017 to honor Thorpe. Mary Fuerst, who spoke to the commission as both a citizen of the city and as a member of the city’s Parks, Recreation & Environmental Protection Advisory Board, asked the commissioners to keep the park the same. “It is a beautiful, beautiful design,” she said. “It is a wonderful example of what a pocket park should be, and really fits in with the master plan for the parks department.” City resident Barbara Campo said she spent three hours in Thorpe Park on Sunday and asked people to sign a petition in support of the park. The petition garnered many signatures, including one from a 5-year-old child. “Amazing,” she remarked. “Everybody loves this park.” A few city residents expressed support of the plan to build a food court in the park. They say the business would revitalize the park, which they believe is underutilized and frequented by homeless individuals.