Abandoned Houses Spark Outrage Amid Controversial Siesta Promenade Plans

6450 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida, USA - In the serene suburb of Glencoe Avenue, nestled near Stickney Point Road on the way to Siesta Key, a storm is brewing. Local residents are voicing their concerns over two dilapidated houses that have become a thorn in the side for homeowners in the area. According to Herald Tribune, these abandoned structures owned by Benderson Development have been the subject of scrutiny for their condition, becoming a haven for squatters and drawing the attention of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office due to multiple trespassing incidents.

With older homes predominating in this primarily retired community, property values have seen a remarkable tripling over the past decade, thanks to Florida’s housing market boom. However, the health of the neighborhood is under siege, as local advocate Sura Kochman has been tirelessly pushing for the demolition of these rundown properties. She fears for the structural integrity of the houses, particularly when storms roll in, yet Benderson has been slow to respond, only recently initiating the inspection process after demolition permits were in place since 2020.

The Siesta Promenade Development

Plans for the Siesta Promenade project are set to reshape the area significantly. Benderson Development aims to break ground on this mixed-use venture in 2024, as detailed by Sarasota Magazine. Spanning 24 acres at 6450 S. Tamiami Trail, the development will feature 140,000 square feet of commercial space—including a yet-to-be-named grocer—and an apartment building with 414 units, targeting lower-income demographics with 25 affordable units. Nearby, an 80-foot-tall hotel will become the tallest structure on Siesta Key, marking a significant change to the local skyline.

This ambitious development has met its share of resistance. Several residents are worried about the potential traffic congestion and other impacts on the residential quality of their neighborhood. Additionally, plans to add 39 new parallel parking spaces along Glencoe Avenue and Crestwood Avenue have sparked further debate, as locals argue that this violates initial project approval stipulations that included maintaining a 20-foot landscaped buffer.

Housing Market Context

The broader Sarasota housing market is dynamic and competitive, painting a complex picture for homebuyers and sellers alike. As noted by TRES Group, the area offers a blend of luxury waterfront properties and affordable housing options, with the median home price sitting at $417,000 as of November 2024, still below the national median. This affordability, coupled with Florida’s tax advantages, has been a magnet for out-of-state buyers, driving demand.

Despite the booming interest, the housing market faces significant challenges, including rising property insurance costs due to hurricane risks and ongoing supply chain issues that hamper new construction. The area has seen heightened competition, evidenced by frequent bidding wars, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods like Lakewood Ranch and Siesta Key. As builders ramp up construction to meet rising demand, there’s cautious optimism for buyers in 2025, potentially leading to more available options and better stability in housing prices.

The future remains uncertain for both the Siesta Promenade project and the local community’s hopes for a revitalized area. While Benderson Development has ambitious plans to transform the landscape with modern amenities, local stakeholders remain vigilant, grappling with the implications for their neighborhood’s character and their quality of life.