AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND LAND CONSERVATION SEMINAR
The role of affordable housing and land conservation in a vibrant, sustainable community will be discussed at the Sarasota Association of Realtors from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 17.
The SAR says affordable housing and land conservation are critical components of sustainable/balanced communities that serve the needs of all residents. “Providing a variety of housing types and open space within our neighborhoods, and throughout Florida, promotes healthy, vibrant, and economically sustainable development for our region, its residents and visitors,” according to a statement issued by the local Realtors’ trade association.
Speakers will discuss how communities can invest in both land protection and affordable housing — two complementary elements of smart growth.
Jaimie Ross, Affordable Housing Director at 1000 Friends of Florida and president of the Florida Housing Coalition, will explain the context for the development and preservation of affordable housing within Florida’s growth-management laws and provide examples of what practices can be implemented at the local level to further affordable housing and conservation — including mixed-income and mixed-use development, accessory dwelling units, community land trusts, and best practices for ending homelessness.
Debi Osborne, director of land protection for Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, and previously the director of real estate for National Audubon Society, will discuss the benefits of land conservation to people, the environment, communities and the economy; how land is conserved; and give examples of community greening and land protection projects that support community needs and priorities.
The seminar is free to the public. The Sarasota Association of Realtors is at 2320 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota. To register, call Catherine McCaskill at (941) 952-3404. Email: Catherine@SarasotaRealtors.com.
“KEN THOMPSON AND THE MAKING OF MODERN SARASOTA”
Historian Jeff LaHurd and Herald-Tribune real estate editor Harold Bubil will discuss how Sarasota evolved through the vision, policies and unconventional guidance of the late Ken Thompson, the city’s longest-serving city manager.
“He was a real character, controversial and highly effective,” said LaHurd.
The event is part of the “Conversatios at the Crocker” series presented by the Historical Society of Sarasota County. It begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at 1260 12th St., Sarasota. The event is free to HSSC members and $10 for others. Information, 364-9076 or www.hsosc.com.
