Venice Council Approves Height Variance for Proposed Surgery Centre
VENICE, FL – The Venice City Council on Tuesday approved a variance allowing for increased building height for a proposed surgery center at 100 Nokomis Avenue South. The 4-3 vote permits the developer, Sarasota-based Venice Surgery Center LLC, to build up to 45 feet, exceeding the standard 35-foot limit for the area.
The decision follows months of debate regarding the project’s potential impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Proponents argue the center will address a critical healthcare need in the region, while opponents expressed concerns about increased traffic, noise, and the visual impact of a taller structure.
Councilmember Jim braun, a supporter of the variance, emphasized the importance of expanding healthcare access.”This surgery center will provide much-needed services to our community and reduce the burden on existing facilities,” he said.
opponents, including Councilmember Mitzie Sykes, voiced reservations about setting a precedent for exceeding height restrictions. “We need to be mindful of maintaining the character of our neighborhoods,” Sykes stated during the meeting.
The approved variance is contingent upon several conditions, including landscaping requirements, traffic mitigation measures, and adherence to noise level restrictions. The surgery center is planned to include operating rooms, recovery areas, and administrative offices.
The nokomis area Old-Timers picnic was also noted during the meeting. Venice Historical resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer highlighted the contributions of earl Midlam, who has donated hundreds of items for preservation, resulting in the “Earl Midlam Collection.” Midlam, a former City Council member, encouraged community involvement in local boards, historical groups, and Venice Area Beautification Inc.
In othre business, the council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance adding a Venezia Park home at 500 Nassau Street to the city’s Local register of Historical Resources. Built by Graham Walker in 1927 or 1928, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and was recently purchased by the Michael E. Jeromin Living Trust, with plans for restoration underway. Owners of properties on the register may be eligible for property tax exemptions, floodplain restoration assistance, modified building code enforcement, and development review fee waivers.