East County Bridge Over Braden River Latest Example of BOCC Disrespecting Citizens

The recently-approved Manatee County budget includes over $33 million dollars to build the controversial bridge over the Braden River. The alignment, known as the 44 Avenue extension, will form a continuous route from Anna Maria Island to Lakewood Ranch. The road is planned for four lanes, but there are no assurances that it couldn’t become six, similar to SR 70, at some point in the future.

The county is planning on borrowing over $32 million to build the bridge. The comprehensive plan that guides growth decisions requires impact fees for such projects, but commissioners have been seeking other money to build infrastructure needed for growth, mainly out east in Lakewood Ranch. This seems like taxpayers subsidizing already highly profitable development.

The board of county commissioners could have required the developments of Lakewood Ranch, including mega-builder SMR, to pay for the roadwork and the bridge. But the BOCC has been favoring the developers and not requiring stipulations to insure they pay for infrastructure. Just look at the new Mall at University Town Center. Commissioners went hat in hand to the state, asking for over $60 million to make necessary improvements to the interstate exits that will be overwhelmed by the giant new mall.

The county has policies that requires developers to pay for needed infrastructure. Critics point out that those who benefit most from the county not following its own policies are the developers who are so generous to the campaign funds of most commissioners. I suppose it’s more cost effective to buy the votes than to pay for the infrastructure.

The controversial bridge would cross over and impact sensitive wetlands, while drastically altering the quiet riverside communities along the Braden RIver. Existing residents have been complaining about noise from the Interstate already, and the construction of the new bridge will bring additional noise closer to more residents. Worse still, it will change those communities forever. In a contradiction to what commissioners say about protecting and helping existing communities, this bridge will create more traffic, congestion and changes to one of the oldest areas of the county.

Existing communities seem to have to suffer under our addiction to growth at all costs. Development approvals have often times seen the existing communities impacted by sprawling growth, and developments that just are not compatible. The developers have reported record profits, and many residents have voiced their concerns but get no respect from their supposed representatives.

The residents of Tara were able to fight off a bridge that would have devastated their community – at least for the time being. The sad reality is that it only takes four commissioners to cast a vote to build that bridge against the will of residents.

Braden River residents were probably not even aware of the bridge getting the funding. Last year, the BOCC had no mention of a bridge included in the 44th Avenue connection across the river and balked when it was pointed out that their plans would clearly require one. At least now they admit the crossing of the river will be done with a bridge.

There are seven county commissioners, two who serve county-wide. One of them, Carol Whitmore, approved the bridge and is currently running for re-election. She is being challenged by Terri Wonder. Wonder stated that she was opposed to the bridge and the harm it would bring to the existing communities. She has campaigned on a promise to protect existing communities from such unwanted and unneeded encroachments. Elections have consequences, not the least of which being what you see when you look out your front door.

Joe McClash is the publisher of The Bradenton Times. He served on the Manatee County Commission for 22 years.