Rubonia Looks to Brighter Future With Neighborhood Action Plan

BRADENTON – After more than a decade of hit and miss attempts to bring redress to the historical town of Rubonia, residents now not only have hope but a neighborhood action plan to boot. Jason Smith, of Wade Trim, came to Tuesday's BOCC meeting to deliver a timeline presentation for the completion of the Rubonia Neighborhood Action Plan.

Wade Trim has been hired by the county for professional services for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Assessment Plans and Reports. The Wade Trim team will evaluate the findings and research collected to make a determination of whether the Rubonia Neighborhood meets the State of Florida definition of "blighted area," as defined in Section 163.340, F.S. (Chapter 163, Part lll. Community Redevelopment).

Currently, Wade Trim is collecting data exclusive to the town of Rubonia. Previous Census were conducted using neighborhoods outside the Rubonia township, escalating the price of property as well as the average wage per household enough to not qualify for HUD funding.

The next move after the census is conducted will be the Slum/Blight Determination and Strategic Implementation of the Plan/Action Plan April 22, 2016.

On May 6, 2016, county staff will submit recommendations to Wade Trim, and on May 13, 2016, Wade Trim will submit a draft Neighborhood Plan to Manatee County for review prior to public comment period. On June 30, 2016 the county will submit the plan to HUD for funding.

Smith said he didn't expect any problems qualifying for the funding. The county will decide how and when to implement the Neighborhood Action Plan. The total amount for Wade Trim's services–which will consist of several tasks–will not exceed $21,240.