If a tree falls in a botanical garden, does it adversely impact a resident who lives several blocks away to a degree greater than the general public?
Laurel Park resident and neighborhood activist Kelly Franklin attempted to make that argument before the Sarasota City Commission on Sept. 15, and in the end found only one commissioner, Jen Ahearn-Koch, to agree she should be granted aggrieved party status.
A decision to the contrary would have permitted an appeal by Franklin to the commission of the Planning Board’s Aug. 7 unanimous approval of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Master Plan Phase 2 development…