Sarasota's City Planning Board will continue hearings Wednesday on a master site plan for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Selby Gardens is seeking zoning changes and other approvals from the city which its CEO says is designed to make the layout of the gardens more efficient. Those plans include a welcome center, and a greenhouse but it’s the proposed 5-story parking garage with rooftop restaurant that's drawn the ire of some residents.
Selby says the garage will allow for more garden space but opponents say the height of the proposed garage is an issue and that a restaurant would increase noise and traffic.
Wednesday's hearing will be a continuation of the discussion.
Last week the city commission chambers saw a war of colors with Selby supporters wearing green T-shirts and opponents sporting yellow.
In a report ahead of the meeting, city staff recommended the board approve the Selby proposal. If it does, the plan would next go before the Sarasota City Commission.
