Against the urging of some area residents, the Sarasota County Commission yesterday approved the Siesta Promenade project.
That will be built on a vacant lot at U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road in South Sarasota and have include apartments, retail space, and a hotel.
More than 100 people spoke on the project yesterday, with many saying the density of the project will hamper traffic flow.
Another part of the project that drew some public condemnation was the affordable housing caveat, which says that developers are only offering 15 percent of the 400-plus units as affordable housing…and only for the first five years.