Braden River Preserve to be Put to Vote on Tuesday

BRADENTON – At Tuesday's meeting, Manatee County Commissioners will vote on whether or not to create a special taxing district to fund the $3 million acquisition of property slated for development in order to create a preserve in east county.

The 33-acre parcel of wooded green space on the north side of the Braden River where developer Pat Neal is slated to build 32 homes, would become a "passive park," meaning that no amenities or attractions would be added. The site is located between the Braden Woods and River Club developments, just north of the river.

Members of the proposed municipal services taxing unit (MSTU) that would be created to pay back the $3 million cost over 30 years seem to be split around 50-50 over being taxed to fund the preserve, with support concentrated in the areas closest to the site.

If passed, the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast would facilitate the sale. An additional 11 acres adjacent to the property would be added to the preserve. The late owner of that parcel had stated in his will that he wanted the land to be used for conservation and the CFGC already controls that property, which it would donate to the county.

Pro-development commissioners have showed a surprising level of enthusiasm for the project, which suggests that the politically-powerful developer, who got the board to fast track a comp plan amendment in order to approve his development plan on the site (simultaneously increasing its value significantly), prefers the quick profit from a flip to the long-term gains of developing it. Neal purchased the property for $1.67 million.

The item is scheduled time certain for 1:30 p.m. Click here to read the ordinance.