Response to Braden River Preserve Article

Mr. Maley’s recentarticle on the proposed Braden Rive Preserve has some valid points about Manatee’s lack of ability to preserve sensitive land from development. Unlike surrounding counties, Manatee does not have a source of funds to protect endangered habitats and wildlife. The state of Florida has been less than helpful when it comes to preservation, despite the will of the voters. Therefore, when the opportunity to save green space arises, locating a source of funding is challenging to say the least. Several items, however, need to be clarified.

First, a look at the location of the proposed Preserve shows that it is in the middle of the two neighborhoods in question. To make this a "not in my backyard“ argument is a disservice to those who are concerned about the rapid loss of green space due to over-development in our area. It negates the 6,500 petition signatures opposing the development and the 732 residents (over 50%) who responded in favor of taxing themselves to preserve this oasis. Also, many of our volunteers are members of other environmental organizations and have opposed other developmental debacles in Manatee County.

Second, it was the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast (not Keep our Woods) that negotiated the purchase. This well-respected organization examined the property and determined that its condition and characteristics justified preservation; usually the Foundation works with larger parcels. Pat Neal purchased the property a year ago and offered to sell it if a deal could be reached before he was ready to begin development.

Third, the road that existed in the County’s long-term plans was not conducive to preserving the site, since it would have resulted in disruption of the natural habitat and wetlands. There was no funding or desire for the road, so the County eliminated it from the plan. As far as approving the developer’s re-zoning and site plan, all the proper conditions were met, so there was little reason for the Commission to deny a property owner the right to develop.

Fourth, the $375,000 mentioned in the article was the purchase amount for just one of the interior lots and did not reflect the value of the entire property or its purchase price. The agreed upon purchase price is supported by an independent appraisal prepared by a state-approved appraiser. While the partners that own the property may make some money from the conservation sale, it is not as much as they would make if they developed the property.

Finally, the article seems to praise the development plan as much as the County’s Planning Commission did (the Commission liked the design but reluctantly denied the rezoning because there was no legal alternative). However, if one examines the proposed layout, it is obvious that a large portion of the tract will be clear-cut (as described by the developer’s engineering firm) so that retention ponds and streets can be constructed. While small sections of wetlands cannot be removed, it is known that disruption of areas surrounding wetlands has a negative impact on the

wetlands over time. There should be no illusion that this is an environmentally-friendly project.

The net effect of the development will be the destruction of a natural habitat and the loss of a sanctuary for wildlife.

Preservation is our goal. We worked closely with the County to find a mechanism by which this property could be saved. The MSTU was the only option available; it is an attempt to create a public/private partnership that compensates for the lack of funding available for conservation.

Now, one of two things will occur: Development will destroy a natural habitat or a Manatee County jewel will be preserved forever.

If the MSTU is not approved, this site will be lost. The last remaining hope is for enough concerned citizens to make donations toward the purchase. For those who complain about too much traffic, overdevelopment, and loss of green space, now is the time to act.

For the record, we appreciate Mr. Maley’s endorsement of conservation and applaud his call for a countywide funding source to preserve land.

To contribute, visit https://tinyurl.com/donate-preserve or www.bradenriverpreserve.org

Gary Hebert, President

info@keepwoods.com