New high rise condos on Bradenton’s El Conquistador? Neighbors protest development plans
Residents along El Conquistador Parkway spoke out against a rezoning plan at the nearby Bradenton Tennis Center, which would allow a developer to build higher-density housing.
The tennis center, which sits on 6.7 acres along Sarasota Bay, asked county officials to approve a request that could see over 100 units built on the property. Speaking with the Manatee County Commission at Thursday’s Land Use Meeting, neighbors argued it would destroy the neighborhood’s character.
El Conquistador residents also performed a demonstration outside the county’s administration building in downtown Bradenton, arriving in two trolleys with banners that read “Ride the trolley, stop the folly.”
The Bradenton Tennis Center, which opened in the 1980s as the Racquet Club at El Conquistador, has been a community pillar for nearly 40 years.
In his presentation to board members, Marty Black, a land use attorney representing the Bradenton Tennis Center, noted that there are no current plans to develop housing on the property, but the owners are seeking a buyer for the land.
“We’re not here as the developer. We’re here as the owner who is seeking to sell the property to a developer who will bring forward those plans,” Black said.
But the lack of information about what could eventually be built on the property left county officials uncomfortable.
Bradenton Tennis Center rezone faces opposition
“This is, in my opinion, way too high density,” said Commissioner George Kruse. “If you want the highest absolute density and you want to max this out, then I need to see something more than just a request for the highest density,” Kruse said.
Neighbors agreed, applauding from the crowd when Kruse criticized the “blind” request.
If approved, the rezoning of the Bradenton Tennis Center would allow a developer to build up to 107 units and buildings that are six stories tall.
“Instead of calling it a redevelopment plan, why don’t you call it a demolition plan? You’re going to knock down a tennis facility that has been around 40 years and put high rises in place,” Jim Adamson, a Realtor and resident of the nearby El Conquistador Bay Club condos, said in an interview with the Bradenton Herald.
“I think it’s just too much. It’s too much at this location,” said Patricia Petruff, a land use attorney representing the Bay Club Condominium Association.
Speaking with the board, Black said he did not believe a six-story development will happen, citing the “prohibitive cost” of construction. However, Black agreed to modify the request and provide more detail, such as building height restrictions.
“We would certainly welcome that opportunity to provide some stipulations to give you some more comfort. I think we’ve heard from the board members what some of those issues may be, and we’re happy to work with your staff to craft some limiting stipulations,” said Black.
With Commissioner Vanessa Baugh absent, commissioners voted 6-0 to approve a continuance, delaying a final decision on the matter to a later date. A date for the next public hearing has not yet been determined.
