Manatee County slows down proposed annexation of 9.5 acres by Bradenton

MANATEE -- A private landowner's request to be annexed into the city of Bradenton hit a roadblock in the form of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners after a joint planning board had already approved the process.

Saul Lapidus is the listed owner of 9.46 acres of undeveloped property at 1016 64th St. Court E., just a few hundred feet south of State Road 64. Lapidus requested the residential-zoned property be annexed into the city of Bradenton with the intention of having it rezoned to commercial. Allison-Gause Inc. is the listed agent for Lapidus.

Andy Allison initiated the annexation request Wednesday to the joint planning committee, consisting of Bradenton City Councilman Gene Gallo, Palmetto City Commissioner Brian Williams, Manatee County Commission Chairwoman Betsy Benac, Manatee County School Board member Karen Carpenter and Anna Maria Island rep

resentative Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson.

Allison said there are no immediate plans for the property, but city development services and zoning manager Chris Gratz said the city would likely find commercial use compatible because of the proximity to State Road 64 and Interstate 75.

Carpenter said because the property was being targeted for commercial use, the school board would not likely have any concerns. Williams said he had no objection as long as the residents were properly notified of the annexation request being considered. The board approved the process to move forward to the next step contingent on approval of the county commission, a stipulation inserted by Benac.

But the county commission voted 6-1 Thursday to file an objection with the city.

Commissioner Charles Smith questioned the intent of the annexation request.

"Normally, when you re annexing into the city, it's for a reason," said Smith. "What is the reason? What do they want to develop? I need more information before I support annexation."

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh represents the nearby residents in her district and said the county has an obligation to those residents. She requested more information before "I can feel comfortable with this."

Commissioner Larry Bustle was the lone dissenting vote in filing an objection, saying, "Unless we come up with a strong reason to object, we stay out of this."

The property is valued at about $385,000. It was purchased by Lapidus in September 2014 for $499,000, according to the Manatee County Property Appraiser's Office. A zoning map amendment request was filed last month. Benac said the commission would request the applicant give the board more information before proceeding.

Manatee County reporter Claire Aronson contributed to this report.

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Manatee County slows down proposed annexation of 9.5 acres by Bradenton ."