Manatee OKs more Coquina Beach parking lot upgrades. More trees need to be removed
The success of the first phase of the Coquina Beach parking lot project encouraged Manatee County officials to approve the second phase, as well.
The Board of County Commissioners hesitated to approve the project last summer after learning that several Australian pine trees would need to be removed to make room for the upgraded drainage. Anna Maria Island residents and visitors protested the removal, citing their unique appearance and the shade they provide.
County staff came before commissioner again Tuesday afternoon to get permission for the second phase, which will take place on the southern portion of the parking lot. The first phase of the project, which features about 200 marked parking spaces, has been open to the public since March.
Mike Sturm, the project engineer, explained that the second phase will use the same pervious concrete that allows water to fall right through the material and into a new drainage system underground. This part of the project will also demarcate another 700 spaces, bringing Coquina’s total capacity to around 900 spaces.
As part of the construction, workers will have to remove a total of nearly 200 Australian pines. About 800 of those trees will remain once the project is completed. The improvements, commissioners said, are worth it.
“It really did come out really, really well,” said Commissioner Stephen Jonsson, who admitted that he was skeptical of the design. “Seeing the finished product was very impressive.”
“I think it’s one of those things where there was a fear instead of reality, which happens a lot with development,” Commissioner Betsy Benac added.
Each Australian pine that was removed will be replaced with native trees that will provide shade along the parking area, Sturm said.
Not every commissioner was supportive of the plans, though. Commissioner Carol Whitmore urged her fellow board members to turn down the proposal and use the $3.6 million for phase 2 on a different project.
“Let’s use that $3.6 million on something else we desperately need,” Whitmore said.
Commissioner Misty Servia noted that the parking lot improvements are even more urgent with the city of Holmes Beach choosing to eliminate more than 1,100 on-street parking spaces on the island.
The board voted 6-1 to approve the second phase of the project. Whitmore cast the dissenting vote.
