Planning Commission Takes Concessions Golf Club Closer to On-Site Helistop

BRADENTON – By a vote of 4-2 at Thursday's meeting, Manatee Planning Commission members voted to recommend a "helistop" (helipad) be built near the 18th hole of the Concessions Golf and Country Club in east Manatee County. The 1,280 acre country club property borders a cluster of equestrian ranch-style homes whose owners argued that it's beyond dangerous to be on a horse near a landing helicopter.

Ed Vogler, attorney representing the club, said Concessions is a course for the professionals of golf, attracting world class players, while hosting the Concession Championship, as well as other network broadcast play.

Vogler called the helistop an accessory to the club and claimed the acoustics of a helicopter isn't as loud as a UPS truck, according to a test he had performed. Commissioner Matt Bower asked Vogler to please explain why the request should be approved now, when attempts in 2004 and 2009 failed to be approved.

Vogler answered "To be honest, the request wasn't correctly presented when considered." Vogler said most surrounding property was zoned A-1, and that the Land Development Code (LDC) supports the right to build a helistop on property.

The request was to approve a Revised General Plan to a designated tract as a recreation area and allow a private helistop as an accessory to serve the golf course use and to delete stipulation #30, which prohibits a helipad (not helistop) use.

For much longer then most will admit, the quarrel was over the definition of helistop compared to helipad and heliport. The word helistop isn't in the Land Development Code, and staff claimed they couldn't find it anywhere.

Opposition to the helistop was plenty, all speaking to the dangers, liabilities and cruel nature of periodic helicopters hovering above the many horses that would be affected that live on nearly all of the surrounding properties.

There are four Equestrian Home Associations that were represented at Thursday's meeting: Bridle Creek, the Forest, the Trails and the Ranches, all in complete opposition to the permitting of the helistop. Some said the owners didn't select a spot to locate the helistop on the property anywhere near the homes on the club property.

Ronnie Bray, resident of Foxwood at Panther Ridge, said, "Do a real test. Come on out. I'll put you on a horse and we'll watch the helicopter land. I won't get on one but I'll watch you."

Panther Ridge resident Justin Norwood said, "I researched and found that out of the 1,200 golf courses in Florida, only 8 courses have a helipad."

More than 20 residents spoke, all opposed to the project. Some found humor in the statement from Vogler stating not only are UPS trucks louder, but he later added that lawn mowers were also louder. Vogler also said that there was only likely to be two to three flights a day landing at the club.

It seemed clear that staff were in complete support of the project. A motion to recommend approval for the project passed 4-2, with Bower and Rhodes dissenting and De Lesline absent.

The application will next go to the Manatee County Commission to get its final approval at a date yet to be announced.