Newtown Brownfield Redevelopment Clears Hurdle for Logistics Warehouse

The Sarasota City Commission approved rezoning nearly 10 acres of the Marian Anderson Brownfield on MLK Way, allowing Newtown Gateway to move forward with plans for a logistics warehouse. The Miami-based real estate investor group will develop the southern portion of the long-troubled, environmentally contaminated site.

The Marian Anderson site, undeveloped for over 80 years after serving as an informal dump, requires complex cleanup and redevelopment. Newtown Gateway, led by investor Barron Channer, plans medical offices on the northern part of the property facing MLK Way and the warehouse to the south. Environmental remediation is a core component of their project, Channer stated.

City planner Christian Toller explained the rezoning affects approximately nine acres, changing its designation from “commercial residential” to “industrial general.” A condition prohibits primary uses and open-air activities involving refuse processing or recycling, as well as the crushing or grinding of materials like concrete, asphalt, and asbestos. Small-scale on-site recycling, such as cardboard recycling at an office, remains permitted.

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch questioned the ordinance's phrase “substantially similar materials.” Channer argued “substantially similar” offers clearer protection against broad interpretations. Ahearn-Koch expressed concern about the site becoming a concrete crushing facility, citing issues in the Central Coconaut neighborhood.

Commissioners approved the language. Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich moved for approval, seconded by Commissioner Kyle Battie. The commission voted 5-0 to rezone the property. Newtown Gateway requires at least one more city commission approval before the project can proceed.