Manatee County Planning Commission Votes 6-1 Against Commercial Development at Tara-Manatee

BRADENTON -- The Manatee County Planning Commission rejected two zoning ordinances by a 6-1 vote to allow commercial development on the 3.3 acre parcel on the Tara-Manatee Development at SR 70 and Tara Blvd. at Thursday’s public hearing at the Manatee County Government Commission Chambers. The battle over zoning and development of land parcel 3BB will now be decided by the Manatee County Board of Commissioners at its October 7 meeting.

Nearly 200 residents of Tara Preserves Development packed the chamber to voice their concerns over Lake Lincoln LLC’s application to allow a commercial development designation of a parcel of land designated as 3BB. That parcel is part of a larger piece of land that is primarily wetlands. The group, dressed in red shirts, attended Thursday’s hearing carrying signs with slogans, ”Preserve Wetlands“, ”Safety First“ and ”30 Years Residential.“

The contingent of Tara residents are against the commercial development of parcel 3BB because they believe it would enhance an already difficult traffic situation on SR 70 and Tara Blvd, negatively impact the environment by disrupting the wetlands, and negatively affect the image of the Tara Development.

The developers stated that only one acre of the wetlands will be impacted within parcel 3BB and that it would be mitigated by the improved value of the land through commercial development. The proposed commercial development (PDC) on 3BB could include an assisted living facility, more residential units, a mini-warehouse and hotel. 

Speakers in favor of Ordinance 10-50 (FKA-09-64) Tara-Manatee Inc, (DRI#11) and PDR/PDC-96-03(Z)(G)(R9)- Tara-Manatee, Inc. (DRI#11) included Patricia Petruff, attorney for Lake Lincoln LLC (developer), Bob Lombardo of Lombardo, Foley and Kolarik (the engineering and planning firm of Tara-Manatee), Clayton Robertson, a consultant scientist on the project and Katie LaBarr, Manatee County Planner.

Speakers against the ordinances representing Tara Development were Norm Luppino, a consultant to Tara Master Association, retired engineers Sandy Gilbert and Irwin Benson, who spoke about traffic concerns, and Tara residents Kathy Woolley, John Woolley, Michelle Redwine and Bill Pastori.

Bob Lombardo presented the case that there are several other developments in Manatee County that have similar commercially developed parcels compatible to their respective residential areas that are much closer than the 650-700 foot buffer zone Tara-Manatee would build on parcel 3BB.

Clayton Robertson said the section of wetlands that would be impacted is already damaged by debris and Brazilian Pepper Trees. ”This wetland area has lost its functional value,“ said Robertson.

Sandy Gilbert and Irwin Benson described their concerns over the intersection of SR 70 and Tara Blvd just outside parcel 3BB which they believe would become more hazardous if commercially developed. ”This goes against the original plan for Tara“, Benson said to the planning commission. ”Residents bought their homes under that contract.“ Tara resident Michelle Redwine said, ”stick with the plan as previously approved (in 1980)“. Kathy Woolley, another Tara resident said, ”commercial development could reduce residential property value.“

Katie LaBarr, the Manatee County Planner on this project, requested the commission ”deny the availability to transfer commercial development to 3BB and approve only for residential development according to the current land use code.“ Residential development could include building a church or daycare center.

After spirited deliberation, the Manatee County Planning Commission voted 6-1 to reject the ordinances. Commission Chairman Richard Bedford was the only nay vote stating that he was in favor of commercial development on parcel 3BB. Both sides will now have the opportunity to present their arguments before the Manatee Board of County Commissioners on October 7th.

”This is kind of what we were hoping for“, said Tara Resident Bill Pastori. ”Just the fact they did not allow the rezoning of 3BB is good. The traffic situation is what turned the vote. Their rebuttal was weak and that’s what turned it.“

When asked about the Tara group wearing red shirts, Pastori said, ”That’s what stands out. Winning the war is keeping 3BB from being developed. We have a voice in it.“