Politics & Government
Developer Sues Sarasota County for Private Zoning Meetings
Hugh Culverhouse Jr. is arguing that his civil rights are being violated when he is denied access to county commissioners outside public meetings.
A major developer has filed a lawsuit against Sarasota County for limiting his private contacts with commissioners reviewing land-use proposals.
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has filed a lawsuit claiming that his civil rights are being violated when the county commission staff refuse to hold private meetings with him about rezoning requests.
According to the article, the lawsuit seems to confirm public concern that major developers gain access to county officials that other members of the public lack.
Find out what's happening in Sarasotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Dan Lobeck of Control Growth Now told the Herald-Tribune: Big developers have widespread access and opportunities to influence county commissioners out of public view, before most people in the community even know a proposal has been put forth.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
