CONA invites members of the public to discuss issues troubling them that need addressing by local leaders

Meeting set for Sept. 11 at Sarasota Garden Club

Image from the CONA website

(Editor’s Note: At press time we had received no notice of the postponement or cancellation of this meeting. However, as Hurricane Irma approaches, that is a distinct possibility. Please check our Facebook page for updates.)

On Monday, Sept. 11, members of the public are welcome to join members of the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) for an open discussion of topics bothering them.

“We want to know what issues trouble you the most,” a news release says: “compatibility of new developments planned near you?” for example. Other potential topics are road widening projects and new roads; noise; “zoning or comprehensive plan changes that may bring undesirable changes to your area”; “lack of responsiveness by your elected officials”; “budget or tax issues”; drainage issues”; and “how surplus lands are being dealt with … You name it [emphasis in the release].”

“All of us are subject to the decisions made by our local officials,” the release continues. “They approve all of the changes, plans, and such that affect us every day. CONA wants to hear from you, in order to prioritize issues for a dialogue with our elected officials about how these processes may be changed for the better.”

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.; the doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with attendees offered an opportunity to meet their neighbors “and other concerned citizens” during a social, the release notes.

Visit www.conasarasota.org/meetings.html for more about CONA.

The meetings are held at the Sarasota Garden Club, which is located at 1131 Boulevard of the Arts in Sarasota. The club building is at the intersection of North Tamiami Trail, just south of the Municipal Auditorium; the parking lot and entrance may be reached from Van Wezel Way.