MANASOTA KEY — Manasota and Sandpiper Key residents say they want the barrier islands to remain the “quaint and charming” fishing village they’ve been known for historically.
That’s why they’re opposed to recommended changes to Charlotte County’s zoning overlay codes for the keys that have been in place for nearly 20 years, they said during Tuesday’s Charlotte County Commission meeting.
County staff members say the changes to the code that will allow higher buildings with less setbacks from roads easier, making it easier for property owners to rebuild more resilient homes following the destruction from back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton in September and October.
DENISITY CONCERNS
Residents Damian Ochab and Scott Reynolds were among residents who spoke against the county’s proposed changes, which would allow higher homes with less required setback from property lines.
Jie Shao, with the Charlotte County Community Development Department, said the changes are aimed at providing a healthy and sustainable future for the key.