Land sale to Neal Communities highlights county flaws

Headlines in the Feb. 2 Bradenton Herald stated that Manatee County is reviewing its land-buying process. Perhaps it is best for Manatee County to concentrate on its land sales process first.

The article stated the county "missed" an opportunity to buy 37 acres of the Perico Preserve that adjoins property owned by Neal Communities. Of course, the 37 acres was sold to Neal in late October for only $56,300, or $1,521.62 per acre. This sounds like a terrific bargain for Neal and with no strings attached. Does Charlie Hunsicker act alone on these transactions, or is there a committee approval first?

Mr. Hunsicker, Manatee County Director of Parks and Natural Resources, told Neal executive Michael Neal that the county still wants to own the 37 acres. Something about mitigation? But in recent months, owner Pat Neal stated that his company owns "other" mitigation credits that could be used in relation to building the four huge homes in the Neal Harbor Sound development on the west side of the island.

I respect Mr. Neal for being an extremely aggressive builder in Manatee County. However, does he plan to petition to rename Perico Island to Neal Island in the near future? What is the status of his drive to bypass existing laws and regulations for the four huge homes he plans to build for his family on the island? No news is not good news for Manatee County.

In summary, I strongly suggest that Mr. Hunsicker be more "cautious" in his land sale deals so that they benefit Manatee County.

John R. Hudak

Bradenton

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 2:35 PM with the headline "Land sale to Neal Communities highlights county flaws ."