Planning Commission Recommends Rezone for Circus Venue
Posted
Staff Report
BRADENTON – At Thursday's meeting, the Manatee Planning Commission voted to recommend approval for Cirque Italia to build a 52,000-square-foot performance venue and a 20,000-square-foot multi-use structure in Oneco. The item will now be sent to the Manatee County Commission for a vote.
The company, which produces the "Paranormal Cirque" show that has been hosted near the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto in recent years, also produces two "water circus" events. The company hopes to rezone a little over 5.5 acres where the former Oneco Glass Company once operated at 1623 53rd Avenue East.
The events would be held in a 53-foot-tall circus tent, which would be taken down after each production. A two-story commercial building would be constructed where the glass company building currently stands and would accommodate 20,000 square feet of office and commercial space, along with eight multi-family residential units.
Scott Rudacille, the attorney representing Cirque Italia, said that there would be no more than 40 performance days per year with no event lasting longer than 20 days. Rudacille also said that no alcohol would be sold and that no animals are used in the company's productions.
Some citizens expressed concerns over traffic, noise, and the somewhat mature themes of the company'sParanormal Cirque production, which has an R rating and requires an adult to accompany any guest under 17. with no one under 13 admitted.
Commissioners voted 4-3 to recommend that the BOCC approve the request with commissioners Cindy Kebba, John De Lesline, and Bill Conerly dissenting.
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