Just say ‘no’ for future generations of Manatee County

I object to any changes in zoning or proposed change of use of the property now called Aqua by the Bay. Current zoning should be upheld and maintained.

County commissioners should uphold regulations and support the existing County Comprehensive Plan — no exemptions or exclusions are needed. Keep this development in compliance with current zoning, currently permitted uses and current height regulations. It is time to do the right thing.

Do not increase the density in the Zone A evacuation area. Consider public safety of storm surge, flooding and hurricanes for surrounding areas. Tidy Island, the causeway and the end of 86th Street could all be in jeopardy. The planned retaining wall will direct flow toward these areas.

Now is the time to specify restrictions and conditions on this development during the extended hearing process — you won't be able to give orders of condition after the vote. In this sensitive coastal shoreline area, the commission has extra responsibility to require buffers and minimize the destruction of this rare natural habitat.

The developer can ask for exemptions for a long seawall, a dredged lagoon, excessive construction heights, re-zoning, and changing the existing wetlands — just say NO to these requests. No spot zoning. The developer needs to build with current rules, not try to change things after he purchased the land and the abutting Legends Bay. He has been told “no” before when the project on the same land in 2013 was called Long Bar Pointe.

I urge this commission to do the right thing. It is your time in Manatee County history as the current sitting county commissioners. Just say no. You will be glad you did ... for the future generations of Manatee County.

This story was originally published August 19, 2017 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Just say ‘no’ for future generations of Manatee County."