The Sarasota County Planning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to rezone more than eight acres of land in Englewood for a Buddhist monastery. This is just a recommendation for Sarasota County Commissioners, who have the final say in October. Many residents support the monastery, but not all.
The Sarasota Forest Monastery would be built in the northwest quadrant of Stewart Street and North Elm Street—a heavily wooded area in Englewood. The development plan illustrates four small buildings: monk sleeping quarters, a meditation hall, a chapel and a workshop. But the overall idea is to disturb as little nature as possible.
John Raab is secretary of the Buddhist Association of Central Florida. He said the association has been eying this land since January. Raab said the association members of this sect of Buddhism-- called Theravada-- live in Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. He said Englewood is a good half-way point for all of them.
"Theravada Buddhism, practiced in south and Southeast Asia, has no temple in the area. The closest ones would be either Okeechobee or up in Tampa," said Raab. "And a number of our members are starting to age, and driving gets to be a bit much for them."
At the planning commission meeting, seven Englewood residents spoke in favor of the monastery, saying they’re excited to have Buddhist monks live nearby. But one person opposed the rezoning—Donna Hering said she represents a group of locals that feels the monastery is for outsiders coming into their area.
"If this were to serve the worship needs of local Buddhists already living here, it would be a different matter," said Hering during a public hearing.
The Sarasota Planning Commission recommended rezoning the area to allow the monastery. Sarasota Commissioners meet Tuesday, Oct. 13 for a final vote.
