Bradenton City Council Approves Controversial Dunkin' in Historic Area

BRADENTON – At Wednesday's meeting, despite a recommendation for denial from the city's lead planner, opposition from residents of the neighborhood and a plea from the president of the board for the Manatee County Historical Society, the Bradenton City Council approved a rezone to allow a Dunkin' franchise at the corner of 14th Street East and Manatee Avenue.

Catherine Hartley, Director of Planning and Community Development, told council members the application was not consistent with the city's comprehensive land use plan, which called for the area to move from strip mall commercial to residential mixed use. Hartley went on to warn council members that the rezoning would allow the developer to build any number of projects, even a strip club, should the Dunkin' deal fall through.

Councilman Harold Byrd came up with a so-called compromise that called for an "aesthetically pleasing" facade that fit with the character of the community–which includes the Manatee Village Historical Park right across the street–though it'll be up to those same council members to say whether that is achieved. Attorney Ed Vogler suggested they shouldn't expect much, saying it will still be a Dunkin' Donuts. The motion passed 3-1 with only Councilman Bill Sanders dissenting (Patrick Roff was in D.C. with the League of Cities).