‘NIMBY pressure?’ Manatee County blocks new housing complex in rural area
The Manatee County Commission shot down a plan to build more than 200 townhomes in a rural part of town following complaints from over a dozen neighbors.
Nearby residents said the proposed Townhomes at Westbridge complex would upend their agricultural lifestyle with a density that is not compatible with the Elwood Park neighborhood. County commissioners agreed, arguing that the development’s location was not appropriate.
“Elwood Park has been an established agricultural homesteading community for over 100 years, a place known for its unique and desirable A-1 zoning, where the restrictions are minimal and the freedom is maximized,” said Janyel Taylor.
“It’s a real agricultural community. It’s farmland, it’s ranches, it’s home-based businesses,” added Arlene Keirns, a direct neighbor of the proposed complex. “It’s not townhomes.”
During Thursday’s public Land Use Meeting in downtown Bradenton, the developer shared plans to build 220 townhomes on a 26.4-acre property on the northeast corner of the 44th Avenue East and 45th Street East intersection.
According to Jack Weir, president and founder of Eastwind Development, the project would have provided housing for the “missing middle,” targeting households able to afford a base rent of $2,890 per month.
Twenty-two apartments would have been offered for a lower rate, $2,300.
‘NIMBY pressure’
In a presentation to board members, Weir said neighborhood opposition is extremely common for a project like the Townhomes at Westbridge.
“What really varies is the ability of the local elected officials to balance that type of NIMBY pressure with the larger needs of the community,” Weir said, using a popular acronym that stands for “not in my backyard.”
A handful of speakers supported the project. They said they did not believe the new housing would ruin their rural lifestyle or create traffic problems as other neighbors suggested.
“I get my neighbors here are upset and everything, but once you all put (the 44th Avenue East extension) through there, it changed that neighborhood — that area especially — forever, whether anybody likes it or not,” Jamie Gibson, an Elwood Park resident, said.
“I feel the county needs more affordable housing options,” said Sarasota resident Tony Gabriel. “Housing like this is how we do it.”
Manatee argues incompatibility
But Manatee County’s officials sided with the larger group of Elwood Park neighbors, arguing that the location does not meet the county’s location or neighborhood compatibility requirements.
“The project is lovely. It’s very pretty, but if you know the neighborhood at all, it’s completely, completely, incompatible with this neighborhood,” Commissioner Amanda Ballard said. “It doesn’t fit.”
“I do not like the location. I think it’s premature,” Commissioner George Kruse added. “I don’t think it’s the right time or place.”
Commissioners voted 6-1 to deny the project. Commissioner Ray Turner cast the only vote in support of the project.
