Feb. 22, 2022- Council Meeting
I spoke at the Venice City Council meeting this morning. Here is my speech:
“Good morning Venice Council Members and neighbors. I wanted to come this morning to introduce myself. My name is Lisa Jarvio and I’ve been a city resident and voter for many years. I’m currently a healthcare worker but I have a long background in tourism. I also love Venice and I’ve made it my home. The reason I’ve come this morning is because I want to let you know, I’m going to be a thorn in your side. I don’t say this with any happiness, and certainly not with any animosity. But I attended the Feb 8 joint planning and council meeting and what I heard deeply disturbed me. Most of our downtown is still 1 & 2 story buildings so it seems outrageous to think of allowing 3 story and higher buildings that would be a blight on our community. I and other voters have elected you to represent us and you are not doing that if you only listen to a few greedy developers. Downtown Venice is prime real estate, so I understand the pressure you might be under to allow changes. But you must remember you only have your seats by the grace of the public, and you are expected to represent all of us to the best of your abilities.
So I’m going to help you remember my name by reading this simple petition I have , “We the undersigned request the Venice City Council preserve historic downtown Venice with a 35′ maximum height.” I’m going to be the first to sign this now before you, Lisa M. Jarvio. I plan to add many signatures to my own, as I’m sure you know that most residents agree with me. I’m asking now for everyone listening to go to savedowntownvenice.com and sign the petition, and if you care about our community, to tell your friends and neighbors to sign as well before it is too late to stop this tragedy.
So council members, while you argue over details in the LDR, I want you to remember there is only one clear and unequivocal message that has no controversy: that is that the townspeople, the snowbirds, and the tourists, young and old, rich and poor, democrat, republican, independent, and non voters, and perhaps most importantly, your own city voters…we all agree on one thing: we all love our historic downtown of Venice. It is spacious and welcoming and walkable. People choose to live and visit here because of those characteristics. When I have a long list of your voters’ names and there is no question the will of the people is to preserve our lovely communal space, you will have 2 choices. To listen to the voters who put you in office and who may or may not put you there in the future, or to go down in Venice history as the politicians who destroyed our wonderful city space.
Thank you for your time. I’ll see you again soon.”