Manatee Seeking Neighborhood, HOA Input for How Will We Grow

Because of the far-ranging impacts the project has Manatee County Planning and Zoning Official John Osborne has begun taking the How Will We Grow presentation to community groups around Manatee County. Osborne’s presentation lasts about 30 minutes and then leaves time for audience questions.

“We’ve received input from a number of clubs and associations around Manatee, and now we’re hoping Manatee homeowners and neighborhoods will really weigh in,” Osborne said. “This project could go a long way in improving many of our neighborhoods and common areas, so it’s especially important for homeowners to give us their opinions.”

HWWG presents local government with a new way of doing business by focusing on infrastructure as community investments. The study proposes three future growth scenarios:

• Alternative 1, the “stay the course” option, makes minor changes to Manatee County’s current Comprehensive Plan and would continue the suburban growth trend towards low densities and low-rise development patterns in most areas.

• Alternative 2, the Southwest County focus, encourages additional population and development in the southwest area of the county. This would focus redevelopment and increased densities and potentially taller buildings (greater than 35' in areas) along the U.S. 41 corridor and other areas west of Interstate 75 where infrastructure and services already exist.

• Alternative 3, the “activity center” focus, encourages denser and more concentrated growth within four designated areas: Port Manatee area, Parrish, Lakewood Ranch, and the U.S. 41 corridor area of Southwest County. Like Alternative 2, it would allow increased densities and potentially taller buildings (greater than 35' in areas) in these activity centers.

Osborne has already met with the Manatee Youth Commission, Tiger Bay, Chamber of Commerce committees and others. A full lineup of the How Will We Grow discussions, and a host of background and research can be found at www.mymanatee.org/howwillwegrow. You can also view a recent HWWG presentation at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iw7PlREiDg.

The public may attend one of the general community presentations scheduled. To schedule a discussion of How Will We Grow with your community group or neighborhood association, contact Kandi Carver at (941) 748-4501 ext. 6873 or e-mail candace.carver@mymanatee.org.

The Board of County Commissioners is expected to make a decision on growth alternatives in June.