Bradenton, Manatee County officials move to resolve annexation conflict
MANATEE -- The conflict between the city of Bradenton and Manatee County, over a request that the city annex 9.46 acres on 64th Street Court East, may take a step toward resolution when the Manatee County Board of Commissioners take up the issue Dec. 1 for a second time.
The request, made by owner Saul Lapidus, includes a land-use change from residential-3 to suburban commercial corridor. That is at the heart of the county's concerns, according to commission Chairwoman Betsy Benac.
The undeveloped land sits adjacent to about 50 acres the city annexed in 2008.
The county commission voted 6-1 in October to send the city a letter of objection, which notes the city would be unable to provide adequate services, but city staff said existing utilities could be easily extended to the area.
Learning of the county's objections earlier this month, the city responded.
City staff received an email from the county dated Nov. 20, providing notice the county would take up the issue again. Planning and Community Development Director Tim Polk said staff would appear to answer questions and "our stance will be to move on with this annexation."
Prior to the county vote to object to the annexation, the Joint Planning Commission chaired by Bradenton City Councilman Gene Gallo took up the matter. The JPC consists of representatives from Bradenton, Palmetto, Manatee County and the Manatee County School District.
The JPC voted to move the annexation forward, however, Benac added a stipulation the county board would take up the matter first, which led to the objection. Gallo took exception to the vote taking place without city staff or the applicant being available to answer questions, saying the county failed to follow due process.
City Attorney Bill Lisch said the city has the right to annex the property without county approval.
"Technically, we can say thank you for the letter and throw it in the trash, but I wouldn't recommend that," Lisch said, also noting an amicable solution should be sought.
Mayor Wayne Poston said previously an objection has never been made when the JPC has agreed to move forward on an annexation request. He said the city has "lived up to the accord, but we should do what we need to do make this a smooth transition."
Bradenton Councilman Bemis Smith said the city has no desire to create adversity "with the county, but the JPC was set up to resolve these issues."
Benac, who acknowledged the September JPC meeting was her first, said she believes the intent of the JPC is being met by pursuing open dialogue. She said she looks forward to working with the city as more discussion occurs.
Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter@urbanmark2014.
This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Bradenton, Manatee County officials move to resolve annexation conflict ."