Citing concerns about traffic, flooding and other issues, the Manatee County commissioner recently denied plans for two future residential communities.
At a land use meeting Thursday, Manatee County officials did not approve the proposed apartment in Tara Community, 70 away from the state highway.
They also rejected plans for a new neighborhood called Crosswinds South in Parish.
Under the proposal, Central Florida developers Clayton Properties Group and Highland Home built 97 detached houses on 34 acres just east of US 301, between County Road 62 and Rutland Road.
Residents from nearby neighborhoods have collected over 200 signatures in Change.org petitions for Windwind Point and Crosswind Ranch’s Crosswind South projects.
Oak Hillway, a road passing through Crosswind Point, was cited as a petition concern as it will become the sole entrance and exit for the new Crosswinds South Development.
“I already had residents in Oak Hillway and the Crosswinds Subdivision, which have problems with my subdivision.
“It’s still part of the property that’s stuck in the middle of a place that doesn’t come anywhere except it’s one of the worst roads we have right now, the Spencer Parrish,” Commissioner George Cruze said. “That road is not fixed tomorrow. It’s 94 homes on everything that is still being built. That road will become a big problem.”
Additionally, new homes and roads have been built higher than the surrounding area, causing concerns about flooding in the area.
“If you’re just trying to raise something, the next person will try to raise something, and the next person will try to raise something,” Kruze said. “And the next thing you know, we’re building pyramids and every single time we’re overflowing with everyone who built them first.”
Scott Rudasil, the lawyer representing the developer, said the project exceeds the county’s stormwater requirements.
“In terms of impact on the region, we need to reduce the outflow rate after the site is developed by 50%,” Rudacille said. “This project is consistent and compatible with what’s going on in that area. It meets all the requirements of (county code).”
County officials also voted 5-2 for a 72-unit apartment near State Route 70 and Interstate 75. Dozens of Tara community residents came to the meeting Thursday and are wearing red shirts to oppose the project.
They said they were worried about traffic if more homes arrived. Residents also said they had not seen the development plan, so they were worried that the new complex would not suit the character of the community.
Spend your days with Hayes
Subscribe to our free Stephenly newsletter
Columnist Stephanie Hayes shares thoughts, feelings and interesting business with you every Monday.
You’re all signed up!
Want more free weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.
Check out all options
Residents said they hope to have commercial developments done on the site.
“It’s… something they can build for commercial use,” Commissioner Bob McCann said. “Commercial use will benefit them, not more homes.”
Mike Rafino, who has owned the land since 2006, said he understands concerns from residents but has not seen the whole issue.
“They say they want to build a commercial on top of that facility, so they can use it (and) that will reduce the flow of traffic,” Ruffino said. “It’s going to raise the flow of traffic because outsiders come to use (their) commercials, McDonald’s, or whatever is there.”
Ruffino argued that the apartment building concept would work much better, but the majority of commissioners disagreed.
The developers are unable to move the building forward as the plan was rejected. However, they can return to the committee with new or revised proposals in the future.
