Protect Bradenton's Point Pleasant neighborhood from destruction
Point Pleasant under seige, needs Bradenton protection
The unique, historical charm of the Point Pleasant neighborhood is unintentionally being undermined by Bradenton's current Form-Based Code controlling permitted uses (i.e., light industrial, lab, warehousing) as well as setbacks (only four feet is now necessary for frontage and no setback requirements for the sides).
A standing-room-only town hall meeting of over 80 neighbors in early January endorsed the move to amend the Form-Based Code as proposed in Ordinance 2976 to create a Neighborhood Conservation District.
It would establish neighbor appropriate setbacks, eliminate commercial usages, and control heights of permitted structure. Existing properties are grandfathered in.
Time is of the essence to pass this.
Following a neighborhood meeting with the executive director of Westminster and a board member to share concerns and establish a good neighbor relationship, Westminster immediately purchased a historic home on 15th Street West, tore it down the next day and plans to make it into a parking lot.
Westminster took this action even though a full price offer was made by someone who intended to preserve the home.
Graeme Edge's historic home has also just been sold to Westminster. In order to assure that the remaining property in our neighborhood is protected by the proposed new rules, and that our limited infrastructure and narrow streets are not compromised, it is essential that our City Council approve this new ordinance.
While there remain concerns about Westminster and its current plans on properties, the key is to protect any further destruction of our precious homes without appropriate neighborhood compatibility.
The result will be a tax-paying neighborhood escalating in value and desirability for people of all ages. We know we can count on the City Council and mayor to protect us and the community.
Jane Plitt
Bradenton
This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Protect Bradenton's Point Pleasant neighborhood from destruction ."